Receive the latest articles for free. Click here to get the Mobile Commerce Daily newsletters.

H&M showcases new collection with GPS-linked augmented reality app

November 2, 2010

10 percent off at H&M

Retailer H&M has debuted a virtual fashion show featuring selections from its fall/winter collection within the GoldRun application as part of the ten-year anniversary celebrations for CondeNast’s Style.com.

The H&M promotion allows iPhone users to view, interact with and take pictures of virtual H&M apparel and accessories in front of any of the fashion retailer’s 10 Manhattan locations. Users simply select the items they want to view and then capture them by snapping a picture to receive an instant 10 percent discount on any H&M purchase.

“The most innovative aspect of the H&M promotion is related to its combined use of augmented reality and GPS, and its ability to deliver an immediate, context-sensitive reward,” said Shailesh Rao, vice president of creative at GoldRun, New York.

GoldRun combines the visual impact of augmented reality and the precision of GPS to deliver virtual goods, user rewards and interactive advertising in the form of social media games, virtual guides, couponing and loyalty programs.

Introducing new collection

Social AR
With H&M, specifically, the retailer is focusing on the use of augmented reality imagery and animation combined with integrated photo sharing on Facebook.

H&M shoppers will be able to virtually try on outfits, take photographs and post these images to Facebook to create their own personal look books.

The H&M augmented reality initiative is GPS-linked, which not only obviates the need for hardware or codes to scan, but also means the retailer can place objects at any location.

Preview new styles

H&M is able to manage its content within the GoldRun platform via a CMS tool, meaning the retailer can create, modify and manage content on the fly.

“The upside is not merely about allowing people to view H&M clothing on their device, but more about the entertainment, viral and user value that [augmented reality] brings to the experience,” Ms. Rao said.

“With smartphones poised to replace computers as the dominant digital device, marketers and advertisers are looking for a way to reach and activate this mobile audience,” she said. “With GoldRun, we’ve provided a solution that is visually driven and just plain fun, one that extends brand presence and serves as a bridge between the virtual and physical.”

Final take
Giselle Tsirulnik is senior editor of Mobile Commerce Daily

Giselle Tsirulnik is senior editor at Mobile Commerce Daily and Mobile Marketer. Reach her at giselle@mobilemarketer.com.