People buy and use eyewear for various reasons, ranging from eye and vision health to cosmetic and styling purposes. According to Technavio’s research, the global eyewear market is on a steady rise, with researchers expecting the number to increase by $125.9 billion between 2024 and 2029.
Aside from increased digital device usage leading to symptoms like eye strain and visual impairments, another factor influencing market growth is the rise of online retail. Nowadays, consumers turn to digital platforms to choose and buy eyewear without traveling to physical stores. Beyond the added convenience, purchasing eyewear online also allows customers to access features that may not be present in brick-and-mortar stores.
Therefore, for both big eyewear brands and aspiring small businesses, having an online storefront has become as important as maintaining a physical store. In particular, investing in certain website elements and features can help an eyewear business stand out from an increasingly saturated market. Below, we’ll be looking at some eyewear ecommerce website ideas to help stand out:
Store locator
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If an eyewear business has both an online and physical storefront, it can help to implement a store locator feature on the business’ website. This helps bridge the gap between online and offline shopping and can redirect customers to other relevant services/products the business has to offer.
For example, luxury sunglasses retailer Sunglass Hut prominently features its store locator throughout its official website, making it easy for new and returning customers to find the nearest store available in their area. Likewise, if you can’t find a specific model of Versace or Burberry shades at a Sunglass Hut store, it can help to check the website for availability. For fans of the Ray-Ban brand, they can customize their pair online or in-store. While shopping online is certainly convenient, Sunglass Hut also offers free cleaning and adjustment services in-store anytime.
Virtual try-on
Another important feature many eyewear websites are implementing in recent years is virtual try-on. Using augmented reality (AR) technology, this feature allows customers to virtually “try on” eyewear like glasses and sunglasses using their phone camera or webcam by augmenting a realistic 3D model of the frames onto their faces.
Walmart Inc. recently implemented this feature on its official website and app, allowing customers to purchase prescription eyewear online after trying on more than 750 trend-focused eyewear options. The feature’s advanced facial scan technology allows customers to view the glasses as if they were looking at themselves trying it on in a mirror. Customers can also customize the lenses and upload their valid prescription, then use the scan to capture their pupillary distance measurements for those who need customized glasses.
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