Augmented Reality for E-Commerce: Future or Hype?

A few years ago, augmented reality (AR) was seen as futuristic tech for gamers and big-budget brands. Fast forward to 2025, and it’s creeping into everyday shopping. From trying on glasses virtually to previewing furniture in your living room, AR promises to transform how we buy online.

But is AR the future of e-commerce — or just another overhyped gimmick?

At Veritas UI, we’ve been watching the trend closely. Here’s our analysis of where AR adds real value, and where businesses should be cautious.

The Promise of AR in Retail

AR isn’t just about flashy visuals. Done right, it solves genuine e-commerce problems:

• Bridging the imagination gap: Customers can see how a sofa fits in their space or how a jacket looks on their frame before buying.

• Reducing returns: Better pre-purchase visualisation means fewer disappointments after delivery.

• Increasing confidence: Shoppers feel more certain about their choices, leading to higher conversion rates.

• Creating memorable experiences: AR makes browsing more engaging, which boosts brand perception.

IKEA, Nike, and Sephora have already proven AR’s ability to drive sales at scale.

The Challenges Businesses Face

For every success story, there are AR experiments that quietly disappear. The reality is that AR isn’t simple to implement.

• High development costs: Custom AR apps or tools can be expensive for smaller retailers.

• User readiness: Not every customer is comfortable using AR features — some see them as unnecessary friction.

• Technical barriers: AR requires strong mobile optimisation; clunky experiences frustrate users instead of delighting them.

• Questionable ROI: Without the right strategy, AR can become an expensive gimmick with little commercial return.

The Middle Ground

Like many emerging technologies, the truth about AR lies somewhere between hype and revolution. It’s not the silver bullet that will save every struggling e-commerce store, but it’s not a fad either.

The key question is: does AR solve a real problem for your customers?

• For fashion, furniture, and beauty, AR offers obvious benefits.

• For everyday groceries, electronics, or low-value items, the return may not justify the cost.

Where AR is Heading

Over the next few years, AR will likely become:

• Cheaper and more accessible through plug-and-play tools on platforms like Shopify

• Standard for certain industries, especially furniture, fashion, and cosmetics

• Integrated into everyday browsing, as camera tech and 5G make AR experiences smoother

The winners will be the businesses that adopt AR strategically, not just for show.

Final Word

AR in e-commerce isn’t hype — but it isn’t a universal solution either. It’s a powerful tool when applied to the right industries, with the right strategy.

At Veritas UI, we help businesses cut through the noise. Our approach isn’t about chasing every new trend — it’s about identifying technologies like AR that genuinely add value, reduce friction, and increase conversions.

Because the future of e-commerce isn’t about gimmicks. It’s about trust, experience, and growth that lasts.