Specialty retailer Barbeques Galore has become the latest retailer to develop a mobile app that lets customers ‘see’ what their products will look like in situ before buying.
The newly launched app includes an augmented reality (AR) feature that makes it possible for customers to point their iPhone at a location inside or outside their home – a patio for instance – and see whether a product will fit in the space and what it will look like. An Android version of the app will be launched later this year.
Over 100 popular products, including barbeques and outdoor furniture, are available in ‘ultra-realistic detail’ in the app, which was developed in partnership with Inhaabit.
Users can also move around the space and see the product from any angle. They can place multiple products together to compare sizing, and combine them with dining and lounge settings, to build the perfect outdoor arrangement.
The initiative is meant to alleviate customer hesitation at the point of purchase. Barbeques Galore noted that summer is peak season for barbeque purchases.
“Traditional retail sales channels such as showrooms, catalogues and websites are key customer experiences in the pathway to purchase, we are now excited to add to this with our at home app. It is a move to continue supporting our customers in the channels they move to and play and continue our status as a category leader,” said Barbeques Galore CEO Luke Naish.
“By giving customers the best way possible to see our products within their home environment, we are helping them make the best purchase when they come in-store.”
Ikea and Redbubble launched similar services last year, shortly after Apple launched its ARkit, which made it easier for developers to integrate AR functionality into mobile apps.