# AR Toy Aisle Apps Toys "R" Us' 'Play Chaser' App Brings Its Retail Store to Life By Laura McQuarrie | Published 2017-10-03 | Tech Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/play-chaser References: [digitaltrends](https://www.digitaltrends.com/mobile/toys-r-us-augmented-reality-game/?utm_source=feedly&utm_medium=webfeeds) & [itunes.apple](https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/play-chaser/id1289322826?mt=8) Toys "R" Us recently unveiled a new [augmented reality app](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/instore-activation) called 'Play Chaser' that gives kids the chance to enhance their retail store visits. With the app, kids are able to activate [AR games and experiences](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/spotselfie-ar-meta-stores) as they move throughout the store and scan visible Play Chaser signs on shelves. Upon downloading the iOS or Android application, kids are introduced to a virtual version of Geoffrey the Giraffe, the company's friendly mascot. Geoffrey offers a welcome, an explanation of how the app works and challenges kids to complete an in-store quest. With Play Chaser, kids are able to play with [virtual basketball hoops](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/toypal), engage in multiplayer activities and even care for a digital You & Me doll, which can be taken home and further looked after outside of the store environment. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 6.4/10 - Popularity: 88% | Activity: 97% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Gen Alpha - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Tech](https://www.trendhunter.com/tech) > [Mobile](https://www.trendhunter.com/mobile) ## Key Themes ### What's Driving This Trend - **Augmented Reality in Retail:** Toys 'R' Us' 'Play Chaser' app demonstrates the potential of augmented reality in enhancing the retail store experience for kids. - **Interactive In-store Experiences:** The 'Play Chaser' app showcases the growing trend of interactive in-store experiences for children, combining physical retail with augmented reality. - **Gamification in Retail:** The gamification features of 'Play Chaser' highlight the increasing use of game elements to engage customers and enhance their retail experience. ### Who This Affects Most - **Toys & Games:** The 'Play Chaser' app demonstrates how the toy industry can incorporate augmented reality to create interactive and engaging experiences for kids. - **Retail:** The integration of augmented reality in the retail industry presents opportunities to attract and engage customers, offering unique shopping experiences. - **App Development:** The creation of AR apps like 'Play Chaser' highlights the demand for app developers skilled in augmented reality technologies. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [AR-Powered Retail Apps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/augmented-reality-feature.md) - [AR-Powered Shopping Apps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/walmart-5.md) - [Gamified AR Footwear Fittings](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/tootsie-augmented-reality.md) - [AR-Powered Cereal Games](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/journey-to-the-magic-gems.md) - [Kid-Friendly AR Stickers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/paw-patrol-stickers.md) - [Augmented Reality Stores](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ar-store.md) - [AR-Enabled Kids Golf Games](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pga-jr-league-safari.md) - [Augmented Reality Educational Apps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/augmented-reality-educational-app.md) - [Interactive Arcade Storefronts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ar-storefront.md)