São Paulo – Among consumers in Saudi Arabia, 84% are interested in using augmented reality (AR) to interact with products before shopping, according to a study carried out by camera manufacturer and social media company Snap Inc. in partnership with PwC Middle East and Retail Leaders Circle. Results were disclosed on the Saudi Arab News website.
The survey pointed out, however, that among the brands, 94% consider AR just an instrument of entertainment for the customer. Still, 47% of Saudi buyers already use technology as a decision-making tool for wiser purchases. Almost all consumers from generation Z (born between 1995 and 2010) and Millenials (born between 1981 and 1995) in the Arab country are expected to become AR users by 2025, according to the report.
Among Saudis using the technology, seven out of 10 use it for shopping. In this group of AR users for purchases, 73% say it encourages them to buy more. According to the report, 85% of Saudi buyers are willing to pay more for better experiences or customized products.
“AR is already transforming the industry and is slated to metamorphosize every shopper’s journey in the near future. Today, as we ponder upon the future of retail, it’s time to be agile and adapt wholeheartedly to the latest in commerce,” said Snap Inc’s regional business lead for the Saudi Arabia market, Abdulla Alhammadi.
The study also indicated 75% of people worldwide and almost all smartphone owners are frequent AR users. Online retailers currently use AR primarily to present products in detail. It can be employed to visualize the product from different angles or insert it (a piece of furniture, for instance) in a specific environment.
The opening picture is for illustrative purposes only.
Translated by Elúsio Brasileiro
