The Use of Augmented Reality in Retail: A Review of Literature

Abstract

Novel digital technologies are affording ways to superimpose perceptual information (be it auditory, visual, haptic or olfactory) onto our reality, e.g. in retail environments. These technologies that aim to enhance reality are generally called Augmented Reality (AR) technologies. Today, the field of research focused on AR retail has evolved to mature enough state that an overview of the state-of-the-art, results and ways in which AR has been employed in research is needed. Therefore, in this study we conduct a systematic literature review of the academic corpus focused on AR retail. We report on how and where AR is employed in retail, what technological characteristics of AR are commonly analyzed as well as what potential psychological and behavioral outcomes AR is capable of evoking. Overall, AR is a technology with high potential for in-store and remote (online) shopping in terms of evoking both utilitarian and hedonic experiences.