The way people shop online has changed. Augmented Reality (AR) is now a major part of the customer journey. It’s not just a cool feature anymore—it’s something shoppers are starting to expect. One of the biggest benefits of AR is the ability to “try before you buy” without stepping into a store. It helps shoppers see how a product will look or fit, right in their own space or on their own body. This has opened up a whole new level of trust and convenience.
1. 71% of consumers say they would shop more often if AR were available
If most people are saying they’d shop more often with AR, this tells us something big: convenience and experience matter more than ever.
Customers want more than just product images—they want to see how that couch looks in their living room or how those sunglasses look on their face. That means your store needs to be more than just a list of items and prices.
Action step: Think about where AR fits best in your catalog. Start with your top-selling items or products where looks and fit matter most—like furniture, eyewear, shoes, or clothing.
You don’t have to roll it out for everything right away. Choose 10 key products and partner with an AR platform to create the first interactive experiences.
Also, let people know AR is available. Add AR icons, small explainer videos, or even simple copy that encourages shoppers to try it out. The more they know it’s there, the more they’ll use it.
2. AR experiences increase conversion rates by up to 40%
That’s a huge boost. If you normally convert 2 out of 10 people, a 40% increase means converting nearly 3.
That’s not small change—it’s a game-changer. People convert better when they trust what they’re seeing. AR gives them that confidence by showing them how the product looks or fits in real life.
Action step: Review your product pages. Is there anything confusing? Does the shopper have to guess how the product looks in different settings? That’s where AR helps.
A shoe store, for example, can let users “wear” the shoes virtually on their feet using their phone camera. A furniture brand can let people see how a table fits in their kitchen.
If your product solves a problem with size, style, or color, AR will likely boost your conversions. Partner with a developer to build this out—or use ready-made AR tools from platforms like Shopify, Snapchat, or 8thWall.
Make sure to track conversions before and after adding AR to see the real-world impact.
3. 61% of consumers prefer retailers with AR experiences
That means people are already making choices based on whether AR is offered or not.
If your competitor has it and you don’t, you might be losing customers before they even visit your site. Shoppers want to feel confident, and AR helps them do that.
Action step: Make your AR experience visible early. Add it to your homepage, category pages, and even in ads. Say things like “See it in your space” or “Try it on virtually.” This signals that you care about the customer’s experience.
Also, think about using AR in emails and social posts. Don’t keep it buried in product pages—show off the tech and make it part of your brand story. It’s not just about having AR; it’s about showing you have it in a way that attracts attention.
4. Products with AR try-on features see a 94% higher conversion rate
Nearly double. That’s massive. Try-on features—like seeing how sunglasses fit your face or how lipstick looks on your skin—removes a huge layer of doubt. People aren’t just buying the product; they’re buying the experience of feeling good about their decision.
Action step: Focus on beauty, fashion, and accessories if you sell them. These are perfect for AR try-ons. Offer virtual mirrors, face detection, or even avatar-based fittings. The tech has become more accessible than ever.
Don’t forget: test your AR feature with real users before launching. If it’s slow, clunky, or hard to use, people won’t stick with it. A smooth try-on experience can be the difference between a sale and a bounce.
5. 63% of shoppers believe AR improves their shopping experience
When people say something “improves their experience,” it usually means they’re more likely to come back, stay longer, and spend more. AR does this by giving shoppers more control. They can make decisions without pressure. That feeling of control is powerful in building trust.
Action step: Use AR not just as a gimmick but as part of the buying journey. Let’s say you sell kitchen appliances—use AR to show size comparisons or placement.
If you sell home décor, show how wall art looks above a couch. The key is to use AR to answer the questions people are asking in their heads: Will this fit? Will it look right?
Make it easy to use. No one wants to download a separate app just to see a chair in their room. Try web-based AR or built-in tools that work on mobile browsers.
6. 22% of returns are due to discrepancies between product expectations and reality—AR helps reduce this
Returns are a profit killer. Every time someone sends something back, you’re not just losing the sale—you’re paying for shipping, restocking, and time.
Many returns happen because the product just wasn’t what the buyer expected.
Action step: Use AR to show scale, texture, and real-world visuals.
A handbag might look sleek in a photo but feel bulky in real life. AR lets shoppers see it from all angles and compare it to their own body size or space.
Also, include AR in your FAQ or return policy pages. Say something like, “Reduce guesswork—use our AR tool to preview before you buy.” This sends the message that you’re confident in your product and you care about getting it right the first time.
7. Shoppers who use AR spend 20% more time on the app or website
Time spent on site usually means higher interest. It means people are exploring, engaging, and likely considering a purchase.
AR makes your site more fun, more interactive, and more useful.
Action step: Track where people drop off on your product pages. Add AR right at those points. For example, if users view an image gallery for a long time, give them a “View in Your Room” option next. If they hover over a size chart, offer a virtual fit tool.
Also, add prompts. “Not sure which color suits your space? Tap to preview it now.” You’re guiding the customer while keeping them engaged.
8. 32% of consumers use AR while shopping, either in-store or online
That’s nearly one in three. And that number will keep growing. People are using AR not just from home, but also in stores—to compare products, check dimensions, or even scan items for more information.
Action step: Use QR codes in-store that activate AR features. This blends the online and offline experience. For example, place a QR code near a display that lets users see the product in different colors or with added features.
Online, promote AR in your ads. Many platforms now support AR-enabled ads where users can try-on products straight from the ad. It reduces friction and gives them a reason to click.
9. AR try-on boosts customer confidence in purchase decisions by 66%
Confidence is everything in online shopping. When customers feel sure about what they’re buying, they check out faster and are less likely to return the item. AR try-on tools build that trust by letting people see how a product fits their body or space in real-time.
Action step: Create scenarios where customers can try the product in the context that matters to them. For beauty products, allow virtual application. For apparel, enable full-body try-on or outfit previews. Even eyewear brands can now offer accurate face-fitting models.
Test with different user demographics. Older shoppers might need clearer guidance or step-by-step instructions, while younger ones will expect it to work seamlessly on mobile. A short video demo can help remove hesitation and guide first-time users into the AR flow.
10. Brands using AR see a 25% reduction in product return rates
Reducing returns directly protects your bottom line. If customers know what they’re getting before the product arrives, they’re more likely to keep it. AR is not just a visual gimmick—it’s a decision-making tool.
Action step: Identify your highest-return products and analyze why they’re coming back. Is it size confusion? Color differences? Style mismatch? These are perfect candidates for AR support.
Introduce AR at the top of the funnel. Instead of reacting to returns after the sale, be proactive. Train your support team to guide users to AR features during pre-sale interactions. For example, if someone messages with “Will this sofa fit?” your agent can respond with, “Try it in your space using our AR tool.”
11. 70% of consumers aged 16–44 are aware of AR and its use in retail
Younger shoppers are leading the way. They already know about AR and expect brands to offer it. This isn’t the future—it’s the present for a massive part of your audience.
Action step: If your customers fall in this age group, you should be treating AR as a required feature, not a bonus. If you don’t offer it, your store could feel outdated to them. Integrate AR into product discovery, social media, and checkout to create a seamless experience.
Make sure your AR works on mobile. Most Gen Z and Millennial users shop from their phones. If your AR tool doesn’t run smoothly on mobile, you’re losing the audience that’s most likely to use it.
12. Furniture retailers see a 112% increase in sales when offering AR visualization
That’s more than double the sales. Furniture is a perfect fit for AR because size, placement, and look all matter. Shoppers want to know: Will this couch fit? Does this table match my floors? AR lets them answer those questions in seconds.
Action step: Use room scanning features that allow customers to place furniture in their real environment. Give them easy ways to change angles, swap colors, or move items around the room.
Don’t overcomplicate it. Keep the UI simple—tap to place, pinch to resize, rotate to move. Add a short guide on how to use AR if needed. Make sure your lighting and shadows in the AR model match real-world conditions. That makes the product feel more realistic.
13. AR ads perform 2x better in engagement compared to non-AR ads
Doubling ad engagement is no small feat. AR makes ads feel more personal and fun, which increases interaction. Instead of just watching or scrolling, people can try something themselves.
Action step: Run an AR campaign where users can virtually try the product directly from the ad. Facebook, Instagram, and Snapchat all offer AR ad formats. Choose one of your best-selling products and create a short, interactive AR experience.
Track performance closely. Look at time spent, interaction rates, and click-throughs. Once you find a winning formula, scale that to other products or platforms. Use the data to make smarter marketing decisions in future campaigns.
14. 49% of Gen Z shoppers use AR tools when shopping online
Gen Z grew up with smartphones and filters. AR isn’t a novelty for them—it’s a natural part of the shopping journey. If your brand doesn’t speak their tech language, you risk losing their trust and interest.
Action step: Make your AR features fun, fast, and social. Gen Z values experiences. Let them try-on your product, take a photo, and share it with friends before buying. That creates organic buzz and builds confidence in their decision.
Add gamified elements where appropriate. For example, reward users with a discount after trying on a product in AR. Or create a mini challenge or quiz that ends in a personalized AR recommendation. Keep it light, quick, and shareable.
15. 45% of online shoppers say AR saves them time in decision-making
Shopping is about convenience. When people can make quicker, more informed choices, they’re more likely to buy. AR removes back-and-forth thinking and helps them see what they’re getting right away.
Action step: Integrate AR into the decision-making points—size, color, fit, and style. For example, if a customer is stuck between two lamp colors, let them see both in their room instantly. That helps them decide faster without leaving the page.
Highlight the speed benefit. Use messaging like, “Not sure which one to choose? Try them out in seconds using our AR preview.” It encourages the shopper to use the tool and stay in control.
16. Mobile AR shopping experiences have a 2x higher conversion rate
Mobile-first design is no longer optional. AR works best when it’s available on the device people are already using—usually their phone. If your AR only works on desktop or requires a special app, you’re limiting your reach.
Action step: Optimize every AR feature for mobile use. Test it across different devices and screen sizes. It should load fast, work with a single tap, and offer clear guidance on how to interact with the product.
Use lightweight models so the experience doesn’t lag. Include a visual cue that helps users align their space for better accuracy. Most importantly, remove friction. No app downloads. Just tap and go.
17. 75% of customers expect retailers to offer AR capabilities
That’s a high bar—and it means AR is quickly becoming the norm. Shoppers are no longer wowed by AR; they expect it. And if you don’t have it, they’ll look for a brand that does.
Action step: Add AR to your list of “must-haves” when updating your eCommerce strategy. Just like fast shipping or free returns, AR is now part of what makes a great shopping experience.
Start by mapping your customer journey. Where are people uncertain? Where do they abandon the cart? AR can help in those exact moments. Build from there. Make it part of your store’s DNA, not just an afterthought.
18. Virtual try-ons increase likelihood of purchase by 3.5x
That’s a massive increase. It shows how powerful it is when customers can see themselves wearing or using the product. They go from guessing to knowing—and that’s when they click “Buy.”
Action step: Offer virtual try-ons for categories like fashion, beauty, accessories, and eyewear. Let users flip between options quickly so they can see what suits them best. Add a photo capture option, so they can review later or ask friends.
Use AI where possible to suggest similar items based on what they’ve tried. That turns one AR session into a full shopping experience—and increases your average order value.
19. 61% of consumers say AR helps them make more informed decisions
When shoppers say AR helps them make smarter decisions, it shows that this isn’t just a flashy tool—it actually supports better choices. Being able to view, test, or try a product through AR lets people feel like they’ve done their homework before purchasing.
Action step: Use AR to educate, not just entertain. For example, if you sell tech gear, use AR to show how a laptop fits on a desk or how headphones look from every angle. For skincare or beauty brands, allow users to see how the product affects different skin types virtually.
You can also combine AR with content. As users view the product in AR, display short, helpful tips. “This table pairs well with mid-century chairs.” or “This shade works best in natural light.” Little touches like these boost the feeling of confidence—and drive more purchases.
20. Products with AR see a 19% increase in customer satisfaction scores
Happy customers stay longer, buy more, and leave better reviews. AR makes people feel like they got exactly what they expected. It reduces surprises, and that leads to higher satisfaction.
Action step: Collect feedback after someone uses AR on your site. Ask one quick question: “Was this helpful?” This not only gives you insight but also shows the customer that their experience matters to you.
Use the feedback to tweak your AR models. If people say the size looks smaller in AR than real life, adjust it. These small details are what make the difference between “okay” and “amazing” experiences.
21. 47% of retailers are planning to invest in AR technology
If almost half the market is planning to invest in AR, that means competition is heating up. Brands that delay could fall behind. The good news? Starting now gives you a head start.
Action step: Make a plan, even if it’s small. Don’t wait for a perfect budget or tool. Pick one category, product, or feature that would benefit most from AR. Build a pilot program, test it, and improve.
Partner with a platform that fits your needs. If you’re using Shopify or WooCommerce, there are built-in tools that let you test AR on a few products before scaling. Use those early results to justify wider investment.
22. AR users are 11x more likely to make a purchase than non-AR users
That number speaks for itself. People who use AR are not just more interested—they’re far more ready to buy. They’re deep in the decision-making process, and AR helps tip them over the edge.
Action step: Encourage AR use early in the funnel. Use banners like “Try it now in your space” on product thumbnails or search results. Send email reminders about recently viewed products with an AR preview link.
Think of AR users as high-intent customers. Retarget them with ads, offer bundles based on their interest, or send follow-up content like “See how others styled this item.” The more you engage with this group, the more they’ll convert.
23. 34% of consumers use AR to visualize product fit in their environment
Whether it’s a chair, a coffee machine, or a painting, shoppers want to know if the product belongs in their space. AR takes imagination out of the equation and replaces it with certainty.
Action step: Focus on spatial AR—products that can be placed in real-world spaces using a phone camera. Include markers like floor dimensions, human scale comparisons, or “place next to couch” overlays.
Add a measurement feature where users can scan the area before placing the product. This gives them an even better sense of fit. Combine it with smart suggestions: “This item fits best on surfaces at least 32 inches wide.”
24. Brands using AR see a 20% lift in customer loyalty
Loyalty is more than rewards programs—it’s about how a customer feels after shopping with you. AR creates a memorable experience. It shows that your brand is modern, customer-first, and invested in making life easier.
Action step: Build AR into your post-purchase flow. After someone buys, offer them AR styling tips, complementary products to visualize, or placement ideas. That keeps them engaged and coming back.
You can even gamify it. “Visualize 3 more items and get 10% off your next order.” It’s a fun way to build a relationship that goes beyond the first sale.
25. AR reduces time-to-purchase by up to 33%
Faster purchases are great for both customers and businesses. It means fewer abandoned carts and quicker decisions. AR gives people the final push by removing doubt.
Action step: Add AR touchpoints where people tend to pause. Is it the product page? Cart? Somewhere in between? Test different placements and measure how long it takes shoppers to complete a purchase with AR versus without.
Use urgency-based messaging like “Preview now and get it in 2 days.” or “Try it on—limited stock available.” That helps nudge decisions while the excitement is fresh.
26. 55% of shoppers believe AR makes the online shopping experience more fun
Fun is often underrated in eCommerce, but it’s a key part of getting people to spend more time and money with your brand. AR taps into curiosity and play—two things that make people want to stay on your site.
Action step: Treat AR as entertainment, not just functionality. Add product Easter eggs, holiday themes, or interactive elements that make people smile. Even subtle animations can make the experience feel more alive.
Invite shoppers to share their AR experiences. “Show us how this looks in your space!” User-generated content brings authenticity and spreads awareness organically.
27. 40% of consumers say they’d pay more for a product they can preview in AR
That’s the kind of value you can’t ignore. When people are more certain about what they’re buying, they’re also willing to pay for that peace of mind. AR makes your products feel premium and your experience worth extra.
Action step: Highlight AR as a value-add. Don’t just say, “Try it in AR.” Say, “Preview it like never before.” Build a sense of exclusivity and premium experience.
Bundle AR-enhanced products with other high-ticket items. Offer white-glove delivery, premium packaging, or consultation services alongside the AR tool. These perks, when combined, can raise your average order value significantly.
28. AR try-before-you-buy features increase add-to-cart rates by 15–25%
That’s a solid boost. People are more likely to take the next step—adding to cart—when they’ve seen the product in context. It feels less like a guess and more like a decision.
Action step: Track the exact point where users drop off. If they’re hesitating before adding an item to the cart, insert a quick AR prompt. “Still unsure? Try it now.”
After the AR session, show a smart pop-up: “Loved what you saw? Add to cart in one tap.” Keep the momentum going and make checkout as easy as possible.
29. 59% of retailers using AR say it improves customer engagement
Engagement is about more than clicks—it’s about real interaction. AR creates meaningful moments with your product. Customers remember the brand that let them preview a sofa in their living room—not just another static listing.
Action step: Set engagement goals with your AR tool. Track not just usage, but repeat interactions, session duration, and post-AR behavior. Are users more likely to browse more? Add more to cart?
Use that data to evolve the experience. Maybe customers want more realistic lighting. Maybe they want side-by-side comparisons. The more you improve, the more engaged they’ll be.
30. AR tools improve mobile shopping cart completion rates by 25%
Cart abandonment is a major challenge. AR gives shoppers the confidence they need right at that final step. When they’ve tried the item in their space or on their face, they’re far less likely to walk away.
Action step: Add AR nudges during the checkout phase. A small line like, “Still not sure? Tap to preview now,” can save a sale. Make it available without forcing the shopper to go back through the whole funnel.
You can also offer an AR-enabled final confirmation. “Want one last look before you buy?” That tiny moment of reassurance can be what turns a hesitant user into a confident buyer.
wrapping it up
The rise of AR in eCommerce isn’t just a trend—it’s a full shift in how people expect to shop. These 30 stats paint a very clear picture: shoppers want immersive, interactive, and informed buying experiences.
They want to see products in their space, on their bodies, and in real-time—before they commit to a purchase. When brands offer AR, they’re not just boosting conversions or lowering returns—they’re building trust, improving satisfaction, and creating a standout customer experience.
