Kelvin Lancer
The eyewear industry is enjoying a recent boom in growth. A market research report found that the global eyewear industry’s value is projected to reach $323.77 billion by 2030. This growth can be attributed to the increasing demand for customized eyewear and the rise of e-commerce distribution channels that have driven the worldwide sales of eyewear products. On top of brick-and-mortar stores, virtual eyewear retailers have made specs more accessible and available for purchase.
The rising demand for eyewear and the increased presence of digital eyewear stores prompt the need for an innovative and user-friendly website that can encourage more customers to buy from your shop. This is especially important since a single feature can make or break purchasing decisions. That said, here are the best features to include in your eyewear e-commerce website:
Product comparison features
As more e-commerce platforms continue to rise, customers are faced with a myriad of options to choose from, making it hard to decide which sunnies to buy. You can solve that problem by incorporating a product comparison feature that enables shoppers to assess multiple eyewear products side by side, helping them compare subtle differences in frame shapes, colors, and even prices. Plugins like Addonify and Compare Products for Woocommerce allow site visitors to add products to a comparison table where they can evaluate essential product information like price, features, and overall quality. That way, you’re able to streamline the research process for customers trying to make a purchasing decision.
High-visibility product photos
One way of encouraging site visitors to buy from your eyewear e-commerce platform is to include high-quality photos of your products to help them examine the details of the frames they wish to buy. Online retailer Clearly provides multi-angle views of sunglasses available on their website that are immediately accessible via the category pages, allowing customers to rotate and examine options like the Ray-Ban Aviators and Wayfarers by simply hovering their cursor over the products. You can also leverage that same feature to help your customers carefully check the specifications of your eyewear offerings before purchasing, thus helping them make the right choice and reduce returns. Including high-visibility product photos that are immediately accessible can help boost the convenience of the purchasing experience and entice customers to buy.
Virtual try-on
As technology advances, more innovative tools are being introduced to make online shopping more seamless. The virtual try-ons feature is one good example of that. Powered by augmented reality, which allows anyone to integrate virtual perceptual information into the real world, the virtual try-ons feature lets customers digitally fit a pair of sunnies before making a purchase, helping them check if a particular frame or design suits their face. Retailer Ray-Ban makes use of the same technology, enabling site visitors to virtually fit a pair of Aviators from the comfort of their homes. You can include the same feature on your e-commerce website to help buyers find the perfect pair of sunnies for them without the hassle of visiting a physical store.
Reviews and ratings display
Research published in Frontiers in Psychology mentioned that 93% of customers said online reviews affect their purchasing decisions, indicating that buyers read and rely on other consumers’ evaluations for their shopping choices. This means that you should also consider displaying reviews and ratings on your eyewear e-commerce website. Reviews of your eyewear products, especially positive ones, serve as proof of your store’s credibility, which can encourage more customers to buy from you. It also sends a message that you’re open to feedback and suggestions that can improve your service. Online retailer Eyebuydirect features testimonials and reviews on their homepage, a practice you can replicate to reassure site visitors that your store sells high-quality products.
As e-commerce platforms continue to rise, optimizing helpful features can help you maintain a competitive advantage. Make sure to include these elements to help you establish a reputable online eyewear store.
