# Physical Virtual Providing both an augmented reality and tangible experience in one. By [Katherinev123](https://www.trendhunter.com/katherine), Contributing Editor | Published Jun 26, 2012, updated Oct 11, 2012 | Category: [Business](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/business-trends) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/physical-virtual ## Key Figures - Trend score: 4.2/10 - Evidence articles: 6 ## What is the Physical Virtual trend? **Physical Virtual:** According to Forrester Research, Inc., online shopping in the United States will increase to $327 billion by the year 2016. This is no small number, but while online shopping is convenient, one thing shoppers don't get is a semblance of physicality -- a tangible store experience -- which may make online shopping a less pleasurable experience. However, bridging the gap between the physical retail store and the completely virtual shop are "stores" that provide a physical environment but virtual, or augmented reality, goods. This combination of virtual and physical works to satiate the appetite for virtuality while at the same time providing the comforting aspects of a physical environment. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 6 featured examples - Articles from: Nov 22, 2011 to Jun 25, 2012 - Published: Jun 26, 2012 - Patterns: [Convergence](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/convergence), [Redirection](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/redirection) - Megatrends: [Multisensation](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/multisensation), [Hybridization](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/hybridization), [Experience](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/experience) ## Audience - Gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, South America, Europe, Asia, Africa ## Themes within the Physical Virtual trend ### Virtual and Physical Integration Physical stores offer a tangible experience, while virtual stores offer convenience. Combining both aspects of the shopping experience to create a virtual/physical store will create a more enjoyable experience for shoppers. ### Scannable Technology QR codes and mobile scanning provides customers an easy and efficient way to interact with products and companies. Utilizing scannable technology expands accessibility for busy customers. ### Interactive and Augmented Reality Experiences Interactive and augmented reality experiences offer customer engagement and memorable experiences. Utilizing technology to create interactive storefronts and products can drive traffic and customer loyalty. ## What the Physical Virtual trend means for industry ### For Retail The merging of virtual and physical stores and utilizing scannable technology expands opportunities for convenient and unique shopping experiences. ### For Consumer Goods Using mobile trucks and innovative campaigns with QR codes creates accessibility and interactive customer experiences for consumer goods brands. ### For Marketing & Advertising Interactive and augmented reality experiences are a way for brands to create a memorable and engaging connection with customers, driving brand loyalty and excitement. ## Trend signals for Physical Virtual Trend score 4.2 out of 10, from popularity 76%, activity 41%, freshness 8%. - Popularity: 76% - Activity: 41% - Freshness: 8% ## Examples of the Physical Virtual trend 6 featured examples from Nov 22, 2011 to Jun 25, 2012. - [Pop-Up Shopping Pods](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/nike-fuelstations): The Nike+ Fuelstations (Category: Marketing) Implication: Disruptive innovation opportunity: Transform traditional retail stores into interactive and futuristic spaces to attract customers and enhance their shopping journey. - [Scannable Window Shopping](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/john-lewis-virtual-shop): John Lewis Virtual Shop Lets People Conveniently Click and Collect (Category: Tech) Implication: Opportunity for retailers to implement QR code shopping and click and collect services. - [Virtual Subway Supermarkets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/homeplus): Homeplus Uses Clever Marketing Campaign to Become Number One (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: The retail industry can leverage virtual subway supermarkets to drive sales and attract customers in urban areas. - [Scannable Product Deliveries](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pgmobile-trucks): Walmart and P&G's PGMobile Trucks Offer Convenience & Accessibility (Category: Tech) Implication: The integration of mobile trucks for product delivery provides a disruptive innovation opportunity for the retail industry. - [Real-Life App Stores](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/openspace-store): The Openspace Store is a Physical Retail Shop That Sells Apps (Category: Tech) Implication: The technology industry can leverage the trend of offline to online, creating physical retail stores to enhance app discovery and customer engagement. - [Digital Holiday Donations](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ebay-give-a-toy-store): The eBay Give a Toy Store Lets You Donate Toys by Scanning (Category: Tech) Implication: Disruptive innovation opportunity for retailers to incorporate interactive storefronts and mobile donation technology into their stores. ## Recent trend clusters - [Autumn Teasers](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/autumn-teasers) (Business) - [Errand Leisure](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/errand-leisure) (Business) - [Category Mashups](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/category-mashups) (Business) - [Automated Upkeep](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/automated-upkeep) (Tech) ## Trending in Business - [Performance-Based Creator Ads](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/creator-ad-platforms) - [Repairable Hardshell Jackets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sperro-sv) - [Natural Deodorant Expansions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/target-beauty-studios) - [Mini Beauty Stores](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/little-luxuries-store) All articles: [Business](https://www.trendhunter.com/business)