CGTrader and Shopify to bring 3D models and AR to online shopping
Shopify merchants will have access to CGTrader's services to add AR and 3D models to e-commerce
3D model marketplace CGTrader is partnering with Canadian e-commerce company Shopify to introduce a new immersive and 3D online shopping experience. The collaboration will see CGTrader work with the e-commerce platform to integrate 3D modeling and augmented reality (AR) for better customer experience.
CGTrader is currently one of the leading 3D model marketplaces in the world. In fact, earlier this year it announced the significant milestone of surpassing 1.5 million users. Presently, the website hosts over 710,000 models designed for computer graphics, AR/VR and gaming applications. Through the marketplace, designers and artists can upload their 3D models and sell them to business or partners.
Through its partnership with CGTrader, Shopify will give its merchants access to the 3D marketplace’s services through its experts platform. It will be arranged in such a way that Shopify store owners will not require technical knowledge of 3D design to be able to integrate them for an AR customer experience.
Within the context of online retailers, 3D imaging and AR experiences are gaining in influence, with some even believing they will revolutionize e-commerce websites.
“This integration can help businesses turn their products into a 3D visual format using the latest 3D modeling and AR technologies,” said Dalia Lasaite, CEO and co-founder of CGTrader. “Shopify has chosen us to provide the services needed to make this revolution happen as demand for 3D models in e-commerce sector is expanding rapidly.”
“Companies like Shopify are 11 times more likely to sell an item or a product that has an Augmented Reality experience,” she added. “This fact is very significant for the mobile e-commerce market, which according to Statista.com is expected to generate some $3.56 billion in 2021, a year when it is expected to make up almost three quarters of e-commerce sales.”
In general, CGTrader operates using a system wherein customers can browse and purchase ready-made 3D models for a range of uses or, if they require something specific, can request the services of a specific designer.
Lasaite elaborates: “We have a strong and highly specialized 3D design community, and therefore our team can find the perfect designer for any product. All in all, AR greatly increases user engagement, brings your products to life, and lets customers really make sure they want a product before they purchase.”
The partnership with Shopify marks an exciting new avenue for CGTrader. As of last year, the e-commerce platform had over 600,000 merchants using its website to sell goods. Interestingly, this isn’t the company’s first foray into the world of 3D, as it partnered with Shapeways recently to integrate the latter’s 3D printing service into its own offering.
