Why Augmented Reality (AR) is the Smart Play for Christmas

Every December, shopping centres compete for attention in the same crowded space filled with glittering lights, Santa photo sets and giant baubles. The brands that win hearts and social shares are the ones that move beyond decoration to interaction.

That is where Augmented Reality (AR) comes in.

From Foot Traffic to Participation

Christmas activations are no longer about being seen; they are about being experienced. AR lets shoppers step inside the story. A window becomes a stage, a corridor becomes a canvas, and a phone becomes the key to unlock a festive world.

When used well, AR connects the physical and digital retail environment, turning every shopper into an active participant. They do not just walk past. They play, capture and share.

The Proof: Telstra Interactive Windows

Watch This Space brought this idea to life for Telstra's Christmas campaign, transforming their retail windows into live, interactive experiences. Using motion tracking and real-time visuals, passers-by could wave, jump and dance to trigger festive animations that responded directly to their movement.

The result was spontaneous smiles, extended dwell time and organic social sharing, all without requiring an app download. A modern-day window display that felt alive.

Why It Works

1. It drives dwell time. AR keeps shoppers engaged for longer, increasing both brand recall and retail conversion.

2. It is measurable. Every scan, tap or share provides useful data on engagement and reach.

3. It is shareable. Content created through AR is inherently social, extending your activation's impact beyond the centre floor.

4. It is scalable. The same experience can run across multiple stores or regions without physical builds.

The Smartest Season to Experiment

Christmas is the one time of year when audiences expect magic. It is also the perfect testing ground for innovation, a high-traffic, high-emotion season that rewards creativity.

Watch This Space helps retail brands and centres create AR experiences that deliver both wonder and measurable return.

Ready to turn your shoppers into storytellers this Christmas?

Get in touch at hello@wtsagency.com