Walmart to Add AR Features to App

Walmart is updating its app with new technology that will allow customers to better shop for own brand home decor and furniture items.

First covered by Store Brands’ sister publication Progressive Grocer,  the retailer is working to add two new augmented reality features to its app. The first feature, which will roll out to the iOS app in early July with plans for Android availability in the future, will let shoppers view about 300 home decor and furniture items in their homes. 

The experience will be available for other products, including back-to-college gear, in the next few months. Haptic feedback will allow customers to feel vibrations as they move 3D models around their homes, and blind or low-vision shoppers can use voice-based instructions and descriptions.

“After extensively testing this feature with our own customers, we received overwhelmingly positive feedback, which helped ensure the experience is as seamless and user-friendly as possible,” said Walmart’s Brock McKeel, SVP of site experience, Walmart E-Commerce, and Cheryl Ainoa, SVP of new businesses and emerging tech, Walmart Global Tech, in a company blog post.

Additionally, Walmart Global Tech is developing an in-store augmented reality feature that allows customers and associates to point their mobile device camera at store shelves using the Walmart app to filter assortment based on personal preferences. 

“Imagine you’re a customer who is gluten-free. Using the AR in-store tool, you’ll be able to use your phone to read food ingredients quickly and easily identify gluten-free products,” McKeel and Ainoa wrote. “Coupons are another future use case. For example, customers will also be able to scan store shelves to see which items are on rollback, clearance or part of a rewards program. Imagine the possibilities! Perhaps you could scan to see which items are on rollback or receive instant coupons.”

Walmart serves 230 million customers weekly, with shoppers visiting Walmart’s more than 10,500 stores and numerous e-commerce websites under 46 banners in 24 countries.