Snap Helps Businesses Integrate Augmented Reality into Stores

Snap has launched a program that helps businesses engage with customers via augmented reality (AR).

The new AR Enterprise Services (ARES) enables businesses to integrate Snap’s AR technology into their own apps, websites and physical locations, the company said in a Thursday (March 23) press release.

“We believe that AR — digital content overlaid on the real world — represents a profound technological paradigm shift that is going to significantly impact businesses across nearly every industry, and that companies and brands that adopt a winning AR strategy will enjoy a meaningful competitive advantage in the years to come,” Snap said in the release.

The first offering in the program is Shopping Suite, which provides 3D Viewer, AR Try-On, Fit Finder and other AR features for merchants selling fashion, apparel and accessories, according to the press release.

These features provide merchants’ customers with accurate fit and sizing recommendations, the ability to try on or view the products in AR, and the opportunity to interact with the products in 3D, the release said

With the ARES program, businesses implementing the Shopping Suite can get resources and support for implementing these AR solutions as well as tools for managing their AR assets and measuring their performance, per the release.

“Through Snapchat’s AR technology, we have seen the evolution of AR from just entertainment and self-expression to true utility for both consumers and businesses,” Snap said in the release. “And, naturally, brands need to be able to engage with their customers beyond Snapchat and across platforms, including through their own apps and websites.”

In one application of AR technology, Snap and Amazon Fashion launched a virtual try-on (VTO) partnership in November 2022 that pairs Snap’s AR Lens filter with Amazon’s inventory of products.

Starting with eyewear, the pact lets consumers explore, shop and digitally try on thousands of products directly on Snapchat and then seamlessly purchase them through the Amazon Fashion store.

Another provider of AR solutions, Perfect Corp., debuted a 3D viewing and authoring tool that helps watch and jewelry brands give shoppers a way to virtually try on the products.

The tool provides consumers with “an immersive and engaging way to personalize their ring and watch styles while shopping online,” Perfect Corp. said.