Myer launches new Christmas app 3D augmented reality experience via AR Video and Appshaker
Myer has announced the introduction of an Australian first innovation in retail technology by launching the Myer Christmas App which is available now to download developed by AR Video and Appshaker.
Myer is the first retailer in Australia to create a Christmas app that uses augmented reality technology to create 3D animations in-store viewed through a customer‟s smartphone or tablet. The app brings Myer‟s Christmas characters to life in-store and as well as in customers‟ homes.
The App complements Myer’s extensive Christmas customer engagement program to create excitement in Myer stores nationally.
The Myer Christmas App allows users to enjoy the interactive 3D in-store experience, create an online Christmas card and share with family and friends, book a time with Santa (in selected stores) and find the perfect gift. The app is available now for customers to download searching “Myer Christmas App” in the App Store and Google Play.
The Myer Christmas App is free to download and will help customers to easily connect with in-store experiences they cannot get elsewhere, and can also be shared via social media.
Various animated 3D experiences can be enjoyed by customers. Once the app has been downloaded and opened on a phone or tablet, all users have to do is touch the “Scan for 3D in store experience‟ on the home screen.
Myer chief executive officer, Bernie Brookes, said he was delighted to launch the Myer Christmas App.
Says Brookes: “I am really excited to be bringing our customers an Australian retail first with the launch of the Myer Christmas App. This is a fantastic initiative that shows true innovation by using the latest technology to engage our customers and create a totally new interactive in-store experience.
“The Myer Christmas App, together with our extensive program of in-store Christmas activity including Santaland, the new Gift Centre, and Christmas Window displays, to name a just a few, will bring a new level of fun to our customers in-store. I know families will delight in using the various features of the app and sharing their experiences on social media.”
The Myer Christmas app 3D in-store experience is a live, real-world experience with elements that are supplemented by computer generated technology. This blends real-world and digital experiences so that the user is able to make content “come alive‟ and interact with it using a smart phone or tablet. The experiences in-store will be activated using printed floor decal markers and in-store displays. The app is programmed to run a specified experience for each marker.
There are three experiences coming to selected Myer stores this Christmas, viewable through the Myer Christmas App. These are:
The ‘Catch the Presents’ game – Myer Melbourne only This augmented reality game has been created specifically for customers to use when located at the famous Myer Melbourne atrium. The atrium 3D experience is activated by scanning the Santa maker positioned around the Myer Melbourne atrium balcony of levels 1, 2, and 3. Customers will be able to see Santa and his sleigh fly around the atrium; using their smartphone or tablet to catch the presents that he throws out of his sleigh. Customers need to catch as many presents as they can in 30 seconds and then they will receive a score they can share on social media or play the game again. To catch the presents, all users have to do is tap the screen as they are thrown to see how many they can catch in the allotted time.
Enchanted Forest – Capital City stores (except Myer Melbourne) Users will be able to scan the forest marker in-store to activate a fun Christmas experience with Albie the elf and Dixie the reindeer. They can then pose for a photo with their new friends, and share via Facebook, Twitter or email so they can spread the Christmas cheer to friends, family and loved ones.
Santaland Floor Markers – in 48 Santaland stores Stores with a Santaland will be fitted with floor markers leading to Santa. Users can scan these markers to see the Christmas characters – Albie the elf and Dixie the reindeer – come to life on their phone or tablet and take a photo of the characters and their kids and friends.
As well as the in-store 3D experiences there are other fun and interactive experiences that feature on the Myer Christmas App.
Create your own Christmas Card – The “Create a Christmas Card” button allows customers to create a special digital Christmas image. They can use an image that already exists in their photo gallery or everyone can take a photo with Albie the elf and Dixie the reindeer no matter where they are, they don‟t need to be in-store, anyone can do this at home, on the train, in the park, anywhere! Once the photo is taken users can apply one of three specially designed photo frames to complete their Christmas card design and share via social media.
Book a time with Santa online – For the first time, Myer customers can now conveniently bypass any queues and book a time to visit Santa via the Myer Christmas App and log on on directly to Myer’s online booking tool and schedule a visit in the Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Pacific Fair, Perth, Adelaide and Hobart stores. Of course, if customers haven’t booked online they can still drop in and see Santa on the day.
Find a Gift – The Myer Christmas App has a handy feature that allows customers to link directly to Myer‟s Top Gifts on the online store.
Customers are encouraged to share their thoughts on the Myer Christmas App by adding #MyerChristmasApp to their tweets, Instagram photos or Facebook posts.