Kiwi-made augmented reality solution Staccar has been acquired by InContext Solutions, in order to bring the retail-focused service to the US.

Staccar is an augmented reality app which helps retailers and restaurateurs visualise in-store displays and elements, in order to more accurately customise merchandising elements such as drinks fridges, display units, and signage.

Jenkin Lee, vice president of product management at InContext Solutions said the retail space is grasping for new and innovative business solutions, and that the business is excited to be at the forefront of retail AR.

“It’s like in-the-moment photo-shopping,” Lee said.

“It takes all of 15 seconds for a field sales rep to remove all guesswork and show a retail manager what a new merchandising setup could look like.”

According to Smudge, the app’s developer, the product improves the sell-in process for visual merchandisers, execution managers and field sales reps, by helping them show and share their solutions. 

“Gone are the days of having to imagine what new elements might look like in a  retail space,” Smudge managing director Reuben Bijl said. 

“Now, retailers can see it for themselves in a totally immersive and realistic way. Augmented reality offers tremendous potential to help businesses make better decisions.”

According to Smudge, both it and InContext Solutions will continue to support the app with ongoing collaborative development. 

“We’re proud of what our team has built and incredibly excited to continue working with InContext Solutions to help take this technology to the next level,” Smudge co-founder Toby Vincent said. 

“InContext Solutions is a world-leading provider of 3D retail simulation software, so to have them buy Staccar is a real show-of-faith and testament to the work we’re doing right here in Christchurch.”