More retailers, ranging from Wayfair to Williams-Sonoma, have been establishing augmented and virtual reality initiatives and Lowe’s has joined them with the launch of its Lowe’s Vision: In-Store Navigation app.
Lowe’s called Vision the first retail application of indoor mapping using augmented reality. Lowe’s is using Google’s Tango augmented reality technology in an app developed to enhance the home improvement shopping experience. In April, customers visiting stores in Sunnyvale, CA, and Lynwood, WA, can have the option of using Tango-enabled smartphones to search for products, locate items within the store and add them to a shopping list using augmented reality.
The Lowe’s Vision: In-Store Navigation app uses Tango-enabled motion tracking, area learning and depth perception to guide customers through the store using a mixed reality interface. Shoppers can use any Tango-enabled smartphone to create a list of required items in the app and access product reviews and information. Directional prompts overlaid onto the real world setting guide shoppers to each item they need using the most efficient route around the store.
“Our research shows that helping make it easier for customers to find products in stores not only makes for a better shopping experience, it allows our associates to spend more time advising on home improvement projects,” said Kyle Nel, executive director of Lowe’s Innovation Labs. “With Lowe’s Vision: In-Store Navigation, we’ve created a more seamless experience using breakthrough technology so customers can save time shopping and focus more on their project.”
