Argos introduces new visual search for app users
Argos has launched a new visual search service in its Argos IoS app to enable customers to shop for homewares and furniture using images on their smartphone.
Users simply take a photograph or upload a saved image of an item they are looking for to the app which instantly searches the Argos online catalogue for similar furniture, curtains or homewares.
Visual search works alongside Argos’s existing augmented reality technology, which lets customers digitally place products such as sofas and TVs into their homes using the IoS app to assess the look, size and fit before buying.
The retailer will eventually look to extend the functionality to its paper catalogue where the app could surface products to complement items customers find on catalogue pages.
Mark Steel, digital director at Argos, said, “Customers are increasingly using social media platforms, such as Instagram and Pinterest, as a source of inspiration so visual search has the potential to transform how we shop for the home. By creating it in our app, we’re intentionally putting this exciting new technology directly into the hands and pockets of our customers who are using mobile devices to shop more than ever.
“The future potential for visual search is really exciting as it has the ability to break down language barriers and offer those with disabilities an easy way to find what they need online. We’re also exploring how we can use it to help bridge the gap between our physical catalogue and digital channels, offering customers a truly integrated way to shop.”
In 2018, Argos launched a voice shop service to enable customers to reserve 20,000 products using voice technology on the Google Assistant. The retailer also launched augmented reality technology to support LEGO toys, TVs and sofas.
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