We’ve worked with many top 100 furniture retailers, and while each has its own approach, they all share a common goal: creating a memorable customer experience that drives sales. Balancing this with cost control can be challenging, and introducing new tech—especially 3D—can feel daunting. However, when creating a winning game plan, 3D is a play that pays off. It transforms how customers shop, interact with products, and feel confident purchasing. In short, 3D technology helps retailers exceed customer expectations and sell more furniture by bridging the gap between online and in-store shopping.
Data from the 3D Commerce Index (Q2 2024) and the 3D Cloud Furniture Shopping Trends Study 2024 highlight how valuable these tools are for modern furniture retailers. Here’s how 3D can help retailers create a standout shopping experience that keeps customers engaged.
The Importance of Customer Experience in Home Furnishings
Everyone in the furniture business knows it: The retailer experience is as important as the products themselves. Furniture retailers are known for their creative flair, from tigers and hot dogs to ice cream and hot coffee. But are cookies enough? Customers expect an easy, personalized, and enjoyable shopping journey, whether browsing online or visiting a store. The 3D Cloud Furniture Shopping Trends Study 2024 shows a clear shift in customer behavior: most people start their search online, but they still value the chance to see, touch, and test furniture in-store before making a decision.
3D visualization tools can bridge this gap by giving customers a digital preview of how items will look in their space. This hybrid approach—where customers get the best of online and in-store shopping—offers a modern, personalized experience that keeps customers engaged and confident in their choices.
Hybrid Shopping: Blending Online and In-Store for a Great Experience
The trend toward “hybrid shopping”—where customers use online and in-store resources—is here to stay, especially in the furniture sector. Nearly half of furniture shoppers now use a mix of online and in-store shopping, and they prefer retailers that offer digital tools to enhance both experiences. By offering 3D visualization tools, retailers can create a smooth transition between digital and in-store shopping, allowing customers to start their journey at home and finish it in-store, or vice versa.
This approach improves the shopping experience and meets customers where they are. A strong hybrid strategy gives customers the flexibility to shop in the most convenient and comfortable way.
Mapping the Customer Journey
A typical furniture shopping journey includes a few key stages: discovery, research, in-store browsing, customization, and purchase. Here’s how 3D tools can enhance each of these steps:
- Discovery and Research: Customers often start by exploring options online. 3D room planners and configurators let them see how items might look in their space, making the research phase more hands-on and enjoyable.
- In-Store Browsing: When customers visit a store, they’re usually there to confirm their online choices. By using 3D tools in-store, retailers can provide a consistent experience, allowing customers to adjust things like fabric and color on the spot, right on their phones or tablets.
- Customization and Purchase: Customizing furniture—choosing colors, fabrics, or sizes—can be daunting for customers. 3D configurators make it easy for them to see exactly how their selections will look, helping them make choices confidently. According to the 3D Commerce Index, these tools increase customer engagement, and customers who use them tend to spend more on their final purchase.
By enhancing each stage of the journey with 3D tools, retailers can create a seamless experience that keeps customers happy and helps them feel secure in their purchase decisions.
Making shopping Personal: The Power of 3D Visualization and Configuration
3D room planners and configurators are game-changers for customers. These tools let shoppers see how furniture will look in their space, try different configurations, and explore options like colors, fabrics, and sizes—all without guesswork. This level of personalization is a win-win: customers feel more confident, and retailers see fewer returns.
The 3D Commerce Index shows that 3D product configurators significantly increase customer engagement. By allowing customers to “test drive” products virtually, these tools help them make better decisions, which leads to happier customers and bigger sales. For instance, we see an interaction rate of up to 50% and an average order value of up to $10,000 for 3D product configurators. For 3D room planners, we see up to a 20% project save rate and an average order value of as much as $4,000.*
*Best in class, 3D Commerce Index Q2 2024
Content is Everything: Get More Content Faster with the 3D Cloud Network
3D content is at the heart of a seamless hybrid customer experience. The more content available—all configurations, colors, brands, and styles—the better customers can imagine a collection of merchandised products in their own space. High-quality 3D content, complete with every customization option, has a huge impact on customer engagement and confidence in making purchases. This is where the 3D Cloud Network comes in.
The 3D Cloud Network makes it easier and faster for retailers to access manufacture-created 3D assets at scale. By leveraging a shared library of high-quality 3D models created and vetted by manufacturers, furniture retailers can quickly produce interactive experiences for every product variant without starting from scratch. This access allows retailers to provide customers with accurate, realistic visuals of their products, enhancing the shopping experience and encouraging confident buying decisions. The 3D Cloud Network delivers a robust, scalable content solution that helps retailers stand out and make a bigger impact with their 3D offerings.
Solving Common Shopping Challenges with 3D Tools
Buying furniture comes with unique challenges. Many customers struggle to imagine how a new piece will look in their home or feel overwhelmed by customization options like fabric and color choices. 3D visualization and configuration tools solve these problems by letting customers “see” the furniture in their room and confidently explore customization options.
The 3D Cloud Furniture Shopping Trends Study 2024 reveals that customers who used 3D configurators felt much more comfortable with their choices, making the buying process easier and more enjoyable. By offering 3D tools, retailers can help customers overcome these challenges, leading to more satisfied shoppers and fewer returns.
Using QR Codes for a Connected Shopping Experience
QR codes are a simple way to bring digital experiences into the physical store. Retailers can use QR codes on signage or merchandise so customers can quickly access product details or launch 3D product configurators on their phones. Shoppers can scan these codes to explore different options or even see the furniture in their own space using WebAR (augmented reality) technology.
QR codes make it easy for customers to get the information they need on the spot, whether in the store or at home. This small addition can have a big impact, making the shopping journey feel cohesive and connected.
What’s Next? The Future of Customer Experience in Home Furnishings
As technology continues to evolve, so will the ways retailers use 3D tools to enhance the shopping experience. With artificial intelligence and virtual reality, 3D visualizations, and configurators will become even more personal and immersive. As more customers try these tools, their expectations will grow, and retailers who offer interactive, engaging experiences will have a clear advantage.
According to trend data, interest in 3D tools is only increasing, with many customers saying they would use these features repeatedly for future purchases. By investing in 3D, retailers can stay ahead of customer expectations and create an experience that keeps shoppers returning.
Practical Tips for Retailers Looking to Start with 3D
For retailers interested in adding 3D to their customer experience strategy, here are a few simple tips:
- Start with WebAR to help customers see how products will fit in their space.
- Add product configurators that allow customers to explore colors and fabrics.
- Use QR codes on signage or displays to connect customers to digital tools.
- Train your in-store team to help customers use your 3D tools.
Creating a shopping experience that feels modern, smooth, and personal is key to winning over customers. Offering 3D visualization and configuration tools—plus a few smart touches like QR codes to bridge online and in-store experiences—lets retailers create a memorable journey that makes shopping easy and fun. Investing in 3D isn’t just about staying in the game but making a play that sets you up for a win. Just like a strong team with a deep playbook, the retailers who make it easy for customers to visualize and personalize their choices will be celebrating at the finish line.
