As changing consumer preferences have brands scrambling for constant innovation in e-commerce, the emergence of artificial intelligence and sophisticated tech like virtual reality is proving highly advantageous to retailers. From increasing the efficiency of the online shopping process to creating an immersive customer experience like never before. AI & VR Driven Retail Transformation. The brands are going all out in unleashing the potential of AI and VR.
Here are some of the best usage examples:
Superior Customer Service with Conversational AI
Conversational AI in the form of chatbots and intelligent virtual assistants greatly improves the online shopping experience for the customer as well as the brand, coming especially handy for high-volume transactions. Virtual assistants and chatbots, when paired with real customer teams, can function as the first level of customer service support. This leads to a better turnaround time in the sales cycle, reduces query resolution timelines, addresses customer concerns effectively, and ultimately has a positive impact on business figures.
Increased Customer Eyeballs with Virtual Storefronts
Many e-commerce sites which hitherto relied upon good product images alone to attract customers have now adopted virtual storefronts to wow them. Showcasing products in appealing, dynamic virtual settings grabs eyeballs across all kinds of customer demographic segments. This fantastic application of virtual reality enables customers to browse through their favorite items from the comfort of their homes, yet in an environment simulating the actual offline store. In fact, some brands go so far as to create rack displays in the virtual store in an identical manner to those in their physical stores and even keep the same music tracks to maintain top-of-the-mind recall, strengthen the brand presence, and keep the customer engaged with interesting elements.
Easier Customer Journey with Search Algorithms
AI-enabled search algorithms simplify the platform’s user experience significantly. By identifying and listing items like those found in the customer’s shopping history, they can provide recommendations. Consumers are only too happy to avoid the hassle of sifting through many items and using these recommendations given that they are gleaned from their own preferences by NLP (Natural Language Processing).
Boosting Sales & Minimizing Returns with Virtual Fitting Rooms
Some customers still find it tedious to purchase clothes and accessories online because their buying decision depends upon the look, feel, and fit. Stylish product images are not sufficient for these folks to make up their minds for the final decision. That’s where virtual fitting rooms delight the customer like never before! By presenting the try-before-you-buy option, this clever use of virtual reality raises customer delight, leads to fewer returns, elevates the brand’s reputation, and improves sales.
Enhanced Platform Integrity with Computer Vision and NLP
Considering that online platforms witness quite a few transactions where images, audios, videos, data, multimedia, and other information, it is important that they be secure. Brands are responsible for presenting positive experiences to the customer by preventing popups of misleading, fraudulent, or inappropriate content. Computer vision and Natural Language Processing are two AI-enabled fields that play a significant role in maintaining the integrity of the e-commerce site by drawing out and analyzing information from data. Human moderators can use these tools to achieve impressive safety and integrity standards in online shopping experiences.
The application of AI and VR in e-commerce is still at a young stage, and the future holds exciting possibilities for making the whole online shopping experience even richer, more intuitive, and more immersive. But brands must have the right partner to conceptualize and implement cutting-edge digital transformation through AI and VR in their e-commerce sites. Speak to us at Manipal Digital. With our solid experience, top-of-the-line technology solutions, and unparalleled team expertise, we understand what your online platform needs to race ahead of the competition! To create the ultimate digital experience, e-commerce brands are making a beeline for artificial intelligence and virtual reality-with good reason!
