LAUSR

Abstract Augmented reality (AR) tools can increase the effectiveness of traditional marketing approaches. This study tests the effectiveness of AR advertising in the specific context of holiday mobile app marketing. Applying the experience economy framework to the AR marketing response process, this study investigates consumer responses to AR mobile app advertising by measuring shared social experience (which is associated with user-generated viral marketing behavior) and purchase intentions. Results show that immersive new brand experiences enabled by AR positively influence consumer responses. These findings suggest that practitioners should consider combining AR marketing tools with existing marketing approaches to facilitate shared social experience (i.e., unpaid brand endorsement) and increase purchase intentions. Doing so could help marketing campaigns stand out, particularly during competitive holiday marketing periods.