Hickory Hardware is once again creating the future of the shopping experience when it comes to hardware. As a leader in the kitchen and bath industry, Hickory Hardware has dramatically improved the shopping experience by launching a new website that provides customers the means to find their “best choices” faster, better, and more easily than ever before – by simply using their smart phone and mobile devices.
“As an innovator we are always looking to enhance our business model by applying new methods and technologies,” shares John Veleris, CEO of Hickory Hardware parent company Belwith Keeler Décor Solutions. “Two years ago, we were the first to develop and launch an augmented reality (AR) platform for all our products. And we were the first in our space to embrace eCommerce and Omnichannel strategies, extending our new capabilities to our commercial customers. As an early adopter, we explore and use new technologies way ahead of others for a simple reason: the benefit of all our customers.”
The new features that make the shopping experience more immersive, intuitive, accessible, and personalized for Hickory Hardware customers include:
- An enhanced search bar that allows visitors to quickly find what they are looking for.
- Advanced filtering options with the ability to narrow down products to match consumer needs.
- Comprehensive product pages featuring more product details, shopping suggestions based on style and need, and links to product information direct from product page.
- An updated store locator where visitors can find Hickory Hardware for purchase.
- An enhanced navigation bar with multiple directions and paths to find products to meet any need; and
- Enhanced AR capabilities with the ability to view any Hickory Hardware product in 3D, and to “anchor” them on any specific spot of choice so they can be viewed from any angle and distance.
In 2022 Hickory Hardware was the first in the industry to introduce Augmented Reality Technology on its website, combining art and science into a cutting edge 3-D visualizer. The technology revolutionized the hardware shopping experience, taking the guesswork out by bringing realistic 3-D, viewable, auto-scalable, product images to mobile devices and laptops.
Found on HickoryHardware.com, users can upload, touch and drag hardware onto their furniture and cabinetry, right from the comfort of their home. The “View in my space” AR feature is embedded in Hickory Hardware’s product links – no apps or gadgets required. “The “View in my space” AR program can rotate product and furniture images 360 degrees, allowing users to check the profile of the hardware as well as design details and change out finishes easily,” adds Veleris. “This has been a game change in our industry, both for consumers as well as designers.”