UK retailer, John Lewis Partnership (JLP), will deploy markerless augmented reality technology in its flagship Oxford Street store to create a virtual showroom.
JLP also plans to unveil a similar display at its Cambridge store thanks to a new partnership with Cimagine.
Cimagine’s technology measures any physical space and augments the reality by adding high resolution computer-generated models, such as furniture and appliances, to the real environment. Using Cimagine’s omnichannel solution, JLP will be able to provide an infinite showroom instore, essentially giving clients the ability to look at an endless catalogue of furniture.
“Technology will play a key role in the new Home Department at John Lewis Oxford Street, helping customers visualise new ways to personalise and design their home,” said Matt Hully, head of brand innovation at John Lewis.
“Central to this is our new partnership with Cimagine. It allows customers to visualise products in life like 3D, rather than just on the pages of a catalogue; helping them to virtually ‘try’ an item before they buy it. We hope it will give our customers a taste of the future of shopping and enhance their overall experience. This is just the first step in using a very exciting technology.”
Going forward, consumers will also be able to visualise JLP’s products in their own home, using any mobile device.
“It’s exciting to see a giant in its field like John Lewis take the leap towards a huge change in the industry, creating a better experience for both costumers and retailers. I truly believe that this partnership is a significant step forward in the future of both augmented reality and retail,” said Cimagine’s CEO, Yoni Nevo.
In Australia Cimagine is distributed by Octomedia, publisher of Inside Retail, and is close to doing its first Australian deal with a local retailer to bring the technology to Australian consumers.
CEO of Octomedia, Nati Harpaz, said the technology will give consumers shopping online a new layer of confidence when buying furniture and homewares.
