The Real ROI of Augmented Reality (AR) in Shopify Mobile Apps: Case Studies from Global Brands

Augmented Reality (AR) is no longer a futuristic concept. It is already changing how people shop online—especially through mobile apps. For Shopify store owners, AR is proving to be more than just a trend. It helps in reducing returns, increasing conversion rates, and improving customer experience.

In this blog, we explore real-life examples of global brands that are using AR to boost their results. We will also look at how Shopify merchants can take inspiration from them.

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What is AR in Mobile Commerce?

Augmented Reality (AR) lets shoppers view a digital product in their real-life environment using their phone's camera. Whether it’s trying on a pair of sunglasses or placing a couch in the living room, AR gives customers a better feel of the product before buying.

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Why AR Matters for Shopify Merchants

Many online stores face challenges such as:

• High return rates due to mismatched expectations

• Low customer trust in product visuals

• Limited engagement on product pages

AR directly addresses these issues by making the shopping experience more interactive and reliable. It leads to more confident buying decisions and fewer product returns.

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Case Study 1: IKEA – Helping Shoppers Buy Furniture Confidently

Timeline
IKEA launched its AR app “IKEA Place” in 2017.

What it did
The app allowed users to place true-to-scale furniture in their homes using AR.

Results

• 50% of traffic came from mobile devices

• 70% of users said AR helped them make decisions faster

• Product return rates dropped by 40%

• Shopping time reduced by nearly 35%

Key Takeaway
Visualizing products in your space helps customers buy with more confidence, especially for high-ticket items like furniture.

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Case Study 2: Sephora – Virtual Try-On That Converts

Timeline
In 2018, Sephora introduced its “Virtual Artist” feature in its mobile app.

What it did
Customers could try on makeup using AR before making a purchase.

Results

• Over 200 million virtual try-ons in the first year

• 3 times higher purchase rate among AR users

• 21% increase in average cart size

Key Takeaway
AR builds trust in beauty products by helping customers see how a product will look before they buy.

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Case Study 3: Nike – Solving the Sizing Problem with AR

Timeline
Nike launched “Nike Fit” in 2019 to recommend accurate shoe sizes using AR.

What it did
The feature scanned customers’ feet and suggested the best fit.

Results

• 20% reduction in size-related returns

• Twice the engagement on mobile for AR users

• Fewer customer complaints related to sizing

Key Takeaway
AR can solve very specific problems like sizing, which leads to better satisfaction and fewer returns.

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How Shopify Merchants Can Use AR

You don’t need to be a global brand to add AR to your store. Several platforms and tools help Shopify merchants integrate AR into their mobile apps, such as:

• MageNative: Offers AR integration in Shopify mobile apps

• Shopify AR: Supports 3D models and AR features

• Third-party tools: Like Vectary, Sketchfab, and ZapWorks for creating 3D models

Adding AR is now more accessible and scalable for businesses of all sizes.

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The Real Numbers Behind AR ROI

These numbers reflect how AR not only improves sales but also builds long-term customer trust.

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Conclusion

Augmented Reality is not just an advanced feature anymore. It is becoming a standard expectation among online shoppers. Global brands are already seeing major returns on their investment in AR. For Shopify merchants, adopting AR in mobile apps is a smart, forward-looking decision.

With the right tools, AR can help your customers shop with more confidence, reduce return rates, and increase your overall revenue.