Ever been shopping online? Then you're likely to understand how tough the process may be. Say you’re looking for a brand-new sofa. It finally seems you’ve found your perfect match: the color is super pleasant, the price is reasonable, and the reviews are off the charts. But still, one worry hits you, “Will it actually fit my space?”

This way, instead of clicking the “BUY” button, you start hesitating and click “AWAY”. And what do e-commerce owners get? Another lost sale.

So, one of the biggest challenges of online shopping is that customers can’t interact with the product in a way they could in a physical store: they can’t touch the armchair or sit on it to make sure it’s comfortable. As a result, customers’ hesitation is costing online businesses billions in lost revenue every year.

That’s exactly when augmented reality (AR) comes in to change everything. What used to be some futuristic concept just years ago is now a practical, game-changing tool that lets customers “try before they buy” right from their devices.

How AR is Changing Online Shopping

Traditional online shopping is clear and simple:
1. You browse images
2. Zoom in a little
3. Hope for the best and check out

But AR blows that experience out of the water. Instead of guessing how a product will look in real life, customers now can:
1. See a 3D version of a product from every angle
2. Place it in their space (for furniture, decor, etc.)
3. Virtually “try it on” (for glasses, shoes, makeup, and accessories)

No doubt people love it. Research even shows that 61% of consumers would choose an online shop with AR instead of one without it. Why? Because with AR, they don’t have to guess—they can see for themselves anytime, anywhere.

Major brands have already integrated AR into their processes:
    - Sephora & L’Oréal – Their virtual makeup try-ons let shoppers test lipsticks, eyeshadows, and foundations before buying.
    - Nike & Adidas – Their AR lets customers “wear” shoes virtually to see how they look.
    - IKEA & Wayfair – Their customers can place furniture in their homes before making a purchase.

The really good news is that today, you don’t need to be a giant retailer to take advantage of this technology. AR is now much more accessible, and even small and mid-sized e-commerce businesses can integrate it effortlessly.

Why E-Commerce Owners Can’t Afford to Ignore AR

Adding AR to your online store isn’t just a “cool feature”—it’s a strategic move that can boost your business in several ways.

1. More sales, fewer abandoned carts

Customers are much more likely to buy when they are 100% sure about what they’re getting. So, with AR, they may stop thinking about whether an item will look good on them—they can simply check it out here and now.

Businesses using AR see a 40% increase in conversions compared to those that don’t. That’s a massive jump in sales!

2. Fewer returns (and more happy customers)

Returns are terrible for e-commerce businesses. They are costly and frustrating for both store owners and customers. But why do people return items? Usually because:

• It didn’t fit.

• It didn’t look the way they expected.

• It wasn’t the right size or color.

With AR, customers get it right the first time. Whether they’re trying on shoes or checking if a desk will fit in their home office, they can make a more informed decision—before buying.

3. Longer time on site = higher engagement

Most online shoppers skim and leave. If they don’t find what they want in seconds, they move on.

But when a website offers interactive AR experiences, customers stick around. They play with the features, try on different variations, and engage more deeply with the products. And the longer they stay, the more likely they are to buy. AR-powered sites keep visitors engaged 2.7 times longer than traditional e-commerce ones.

4. Stand out from the competition

There are a million online stores selling similar products. The difference between getting the sale and being forgotten often comes down to experience.

When you offer AR shopping, your store feels more modern, innovative, and trustworthy compared to competitors who just have basic images. And in a crowded market, every advantage counts.

5. Perfect for mobile shoppers

73% of e-commerce sales now happen on smartphones. And since AR works seamlessly on mobile, it fits perfectly into how people already shop. Plus, thanks to web AR, customers can access AR features directly from their browser—no downloads needed.

How to Add AR to Your Online Store (Without the Headache)

So, the fact that AR is the future of e-commerce is hard to deny. And this is when the real question now pops up, "How do I actually add AR to my online store without breaking the bank or spending months on development?"

Good news: it’s easier than you think. From digital try-on plugins to 3D product viewers, here are some tips on how to bring AR to your online store—and give your customers a shopping experience they won’t forget.

1. Use a digital try-on plugin for fashion

If you’re related to the beauty sphere, like selling glasses, makeup, and beyond, a digital try-on plugin is your best bet. With their help, your customers will be able to see how a product looks on them in real time via their device camera.

How to add a digital try-on plugin to your store

• If you're using Shopify, WooCommerce, or Magento, you’ll find AR plugins available directly in their app stores.

• For custom-built websites, many AR providers offer easy API integration that doesn’t require advanced coding skills.

• Web-based AR solutions allow customers to use the feature directly in their browser without needing an app.

2. Use AR for furniture & home decor

Selling furniture, home decor, or appliances? Your customers probably want to see how an item will look in their space before buying. That’s where AR placement tools come in.

How to add AR placement to your store

• Upload 3D models of your products (many AR tools can generate these for you).

• Use web AR, which lets customers place products in their homes through their phone camera.

• If you’re on Shopify, platforms like 3D Warehouse or Threekit help with easy integration.

3. Add a 3D product viewer for any product

If your store sells electronics, home goods, or luxury products, a 3D product viewer lets customers rotate, zoom in, and inspect products from every angle.

How to add a 3D product viewer to your store

• Consider creating 3D models of your products via Shopify AR or Threekit. This way, your customers can explore every detail and every angle of the product. 

• Add the "View in 3D" button to let your customers interact with the product. 

• Activate AR mode for them to place the virtual copy of the product in their home.

Final Thoughts

E-commerce is changing fast. Customers expect more, and stores that keep up will win big. Right now, AR is the game-changer that separates “just another store” from “THE store everyone buys from.” And the best part is that you don’t have to be a tech genius to add it. Whether it’s a digital try-on plugin, a 3D viewer, or AR product placement, there’s an easy way to get started. So don’t wait until your competitors beat you to it—jump in now and lead the way!