Augmented Reality is Changing Furniture Shopping – Are You Ready?

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Independent Bookstores Enter the E-Book Market

Bookshop.org is shaking up the e-book industry by offering independent bookstores a way to sell e-books directly to customers—something previously dominated by giants like Amazon and Barnes & Noble. The platform, available via the web and mobile app, features over 3 million titles from all major publishers. Unlike traditional online retailers, Bookshop.org ensures that independent booksellers receive 100% of the profits from their e-book sales.

Why This Matters

E-books have gained massive traction in recent years. A study by Pew Research revealed that the number of U.S. adults reading e-books rose from 25% in 2019 to 30% in 2020. Despite this, independent bookstores have struggled to compete with big retailers due to pricing advantages and logistical challenges.

However, Bookshop.org’s approach levels the playing field. Unlike physical books, where Amazon often undercuts prices, publishers set e-book prices, preventing major retailers from offering discounts that independent sellers can't match. This ensures fair pricing across the board, giving local bookstores a fighting chance.

A Lifeline for Local Bookstores

Since its launch in 2020, Bookshop.org has been a key player in helping independent bookstores stay afloat in the digital era. To date, it has raised over $35 million for local bookstores, distributing over 80% of its profits to support more than 2,200 independent booksellers across the U.S.

Its new e-book platform is expected to provide an additional revenue stream, helping these stores expand their customer base beyond physical locations. Readers can choose a specific independent bookstore to support, or if they don’t select one, profits are shared among all participating stores.

This move reflects a broader shift toward community-driven online retail models. As consumers become more mindful of supporting small businesses, initiatives like this could redefine how e-books are bought and sold in the future.

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Furniture Shopping Goes High-Tech with AR

Joybird, the furniture retailer owned by La-Z-Boy, is taking mobile shopping to the next level with its newly launched 3D Space Planner—an augmented reality (AR) tool that allows customers to visualize how furniture would look in their homes before making a purchase.

This mobile-friendly experience lets shoppers browse different styles, colors, and materials while placing virtual furniture in their space. Customers can even save room designs and share them with Joybird associates, friends, or family for feedback.

Why Visual Shopping Matters

Furniture shopping has always been a high-stakes decision—people want to be sure an item will fit and complement their existing decor before they commit. That’s why major retailers have been investing heavily in AR-powered product visualization tools.

IKEA introduced its own space visualization tool in 2022, allowing users to swap out existing furniture with new pieces using their phone or computer. Wayfair followed suit in 2023 with Decorify, a digital home decorating tool that later integrated with Apple’s Vision Pro VR system.

Home improvement retailers are also embracing the trend. Lowe’s recently piloted Style Studio, an app that enables customers to experiment with different kitchen designs by mixing and matching appliances, fixtures, and materials.

The Future of Mobile Furniture Shopping

For Joybird, the 3D Space Planner is part of a broader strategy to engage younger, digitally savvy shoppers. The company reports that 70% of its traffic comes from mobile devices, making it crucial to offer a seamless shopping experience on smartphones.

By giving customers the ability to interact with their designs, make adjustments in real time, and even collaborate with store associates virtually, Joybird is not just selling furniture—it’s enhancing the entire buying experience.

As AR technology continues to evolve, expect more retailers to follow suit, blurring the lines between online and in-store shopping. Whether you’re redesigning your living room or supporting a local bookstore, tech innovations are making it easier than ever to shop smarter.