Augmented reality (AR) is no longer just for apps and video games—it’s transforming how brands communicate through print. One of the most exciting applications? AR in printed catalogs. From fashion to furniture, businesses are upgrading their print materials with immersive digital overlays that educate, engage, and convert customers. Many of the examples in this blog show how global trends are influencing custom catalog printing services in Los Angeles, especially as brands look to enhance engagement through AR.
At Printlocker, we’ve seen firsthand how augmented reality catalogs can elevate the customer experience. In this blog, we highlight five real-world examples of how global brands are successfully using AR-enhanced catalog printing to increase engagement and drive results.
🧥 1. IKEA – Bringing Furniture to Life
IKEA took printed catalogs to a new level by adding AR capabilities that allow customers to preview furniture in their own space before buying. This innovation made their catalog not only functional, but interactive and immersive.
IKEA was one of the earliest adopters of AR in print. Their printed catalog allowed customers to scan images using the IKEA app and see how furniture would look in their own space—at scale.
🛋️ Users placed sofas, beds, and desks in their living room via mobile
🔄 Rotatable 3D models offered better decision-making
📱 Integrated seamlessly with mobile shopping
Takeaway: AR makes printed catalogs interactive and helps reduce product uncertainty.
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👗 2. Zara – Fashion Try-Ons from the Page
Zara embraced AR in their catalogs to create engaging experiences that replicate in-store interactions. Their customers could view outfits in motion directly through a printed page, turning catalog browsing into an immersive style session.
Global fashion retailer Zara launched an AR experience that enabled customers to view models wearing select outfits directly from their catalogs or window signage. As more companies adopt interactive print strategies, catalog printing in Los Angeles is evolving to include technology like augmented reality for a richer customer experience.
📸 When scanned, catalog pages came to life with moving visuals
🎥 Videos showed real motion, fit, and styling tips
📦 Customers could tap to order directly from the overlay
Takeaway: AR catalog printing can drive online conversions from offline inspiration.
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🏡 3. Lowe’s – Home Improvement at Your Fingertips
Lowe’s used AR to transform instructional print materials into dynamic learning tools. Their catalogs showed customers exactly how to tackle DIY projects through animated visuals.
Lowe’s integrated AR into their product catalogs to show step-by-step installation tutorials and project simulations.
🛠️ Printed project guides became animated walkthroughs
💡 Users learned how to install lighting, tile, or plumbing fixtures
🔗 Cross-promoted online tutorials and eCommerce tools
Takeaway: AR enhances learning and reduces the need for separate product instructions.
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👜 4. Kate Spade – Blending Style with Story
Kate Spade took storytelling to the next level by turning static catalog pages into interactive video portals. Users could unlock behind-the-scenes content that humanized the brand and elevated its luxury feel.
Luxury fashion brand Kate Spade used AR catalogs to create a storytelling experience with brand ambassadors and behind-the-scenes content. For a deeper look into how to get started, check out this step-by-step guide to AR catalog printing that walks through everything from platform selection to design tips.
🎙️ Users scanned catalog pages to access interviews and styling videos
🛍️ Integrated buy-now buttons drove instant sales
🌟 Added brand depth beyond product specs
Takeaway: Custom catalog printing with AR builds emotional engagement and brand value.
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🎨 5. LEGO – Playful Learning from Paper
LEGO integrated AR to entertain and educate their younger audience. Scanning catalog pages allowed kids to see their favorite characters and sets come to life right on the coffee table.
LEGO catalogs featured AR experiences where children could scan product pages and see animated characters or builds in action.
🚀 Boosted excitement and imagination
🧱 Included interactive games tied to the catalog
🛒 Drove more informed (and persuasive) gift-buying
Takeaway: AR isn’t just for adults—it’s perfect for brands with visual or storytelling potential.
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Why This Matters for Your Business
These global case studies prove that augmented reality catalog printing isn’t just a trend—it’s a powerful customer engagement tool. Whether you’re selling products, telling a story, or offering education, AR bridges the gap between physical print and digital interactivity.
At Printlocker, we help you design, print, and launch AR-ready catalogs that:
📱 Increase page engagement and retention
🛒 Drive traffic to your eCommerce store
🔍 Enhance product understanding before purchase
Ready to turn your catalog into an experience? Our catalog printing services in Los Angeles include support for custom layouts, AR integrations, and fast delivery.
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📌 Bullet Summary: AR Catalog Success Insights
These case studies prove how powerful AR can be when integrated thoughtfully into print catalogs. From enhancing product understanding to connecting offline pages with online actions, brands are using this technology to maximize engagement. Below are key insights that you can apply to your own catalog printing strategy:
Before you leave, here’s what we learned from these real-world examples:
✅ AR helps customers visualize products in real space
✅ AR makes catalogs interactive, not just informative
✅ AR can connect offline print with online shopping
✅ AR elevates brand storytelling and loyalty
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📋 FAQs: Real-World AR Catalog Printing
1: Do I need to be a big brand to use AR in catalogs?
No! Small businesses can use AR too. At Printlocker, we work with brands of all sizes to build affordable AR-ready print campaigns.
2: What industries benefit most from AR catalogs?
Fashion, furniture, tech, beauty, and home improvement brands see great results—but any product-focused business can benefit.
3: What’s the cost difference between regular and AR catalogs?
The printing cost remains similar. The additional cost comes from AR setup and platform subscriptions, which vary based on features.
4: Can I integrate AR into a short-run catalog?
Yes. Our custom catalog printing services allow you to do short runs with full AR integration.
5: Where can I print AR catalogs in Los Angeles?
Printlocker offers expert-level catalog printing services in Los Angeles, with AR-compatible layouts and finishing options.
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