Gold Coast based shed franchise, THE Shed Company has launched an Augmented Reality (AR) App, which allows customers to experience their shed in 3D prior to purchase as part of their in-store experience.

THE Shed Company claims the new technology, developed by an in-house team of programmers, is the first of its kind .

Business manager Brett Sinclair said the App was developed after the business noticed an experiential gap in the customer purchase process.

“Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality technologies are on the rise and will soon take over the customer shopping experience as we know it,” said Sinclair.

“In this digital age, our customers have often researched our products online prior to visiting one of our 27 stores, which means it’s crucial our bricks and mortar offering innovates, engages and improves our offering overall.

“We understand that buying a shed or structure can be a big investment, so our customers want the ability to ‘see’ their product prior to purchase and tailor elements to suit their needs. Doing this through AR reduces the perceived risk and makes this process much more personal to each individual.”

The App is initially available on iOS and Android to THE Shed Company franchisees with the potential for direct-to-consumer use in the future.

THE Shed Company provides premium customised steel structures to suit  carports, garages and steel kit homes to commercial hangars, factories and sheds. The business began in 2005 and now has 27 franchises across Australia.