Snap, the social media giant behind Snapchat, has recently launched a new enterprise solution called ARES (AR Enterprise Services) to help retail businesses integrate augmented reality (AR) features into their own apps, websites, and physical locations. This innovative platform aims to provide tools and guidance for brands to incorporate Snap’s AR technology into their customer experiences.

Snapchat has been a pioneer in AR technology, with more than 3 million Lenses created using Lens Studio and viewed over 5 trillion times on Snapchat and other mobile apps powered by Camera Kit. Previously, AR advertising on Snapchat was expensive, with a minimum budget of $500,000. However, the introduction of a $50 tier has made it more accessible for brands to experiment with AR experiences.

ARES focuses on retail companies, offering them the opportunity to directly integrate Snap’s AR tools into their own platforms. The first businesses to utilize ARES include Princess Polly, Gobi Cashmere, and Goodr, who have reported various benefits such as reduced return rates, increased conversion, and higher revenue per customer. These companies have used Snap products like Fit Finder and AR Try-On, which are part of Snap’s new Shopping Suite.