Walmart is developing a virtual fitting room for online shoppers. It is currently possible to view clothes worn by fifty different models, but soon, consumers should also be able to view outfits fitted on themselves.
A step towards the fitting room
Last year, Walmart acquired Zeekit, a technology developer for virtual fitting rooms. Today, the American department store giant is rolling out the first applications in its app and webshop. “One of the most frustrating aspects of shopping for clothes online is understanding how an item will actually look on you”, the retailer realises all too well. Problems with sizes and fit are also the main causes of returns. Walmart now wants to offer a better, personalised digital experience through technology.
At the moment, they are starting with the ‘Choose My Model’ functionality, which allows clothes to be shown on fifty different models with the most diverse sizes and skin tones. This way, people can choose the model that looks most like them and better judge how the piece of clothing will look on them. Seventy more models will be added in the coming weeks.
Initially, the feature will be available for Walmart’s own brands, but it will also be made available for an increasing number of other brands, such as Sofia Jeans by Sofia Vergara and, soon, Levi’s. However, choosing a model is just the beginning: Walmart says it is also working on launching a true virtual fitting experience for women’s clothing, which would allow customers to choose themselves as the model. This technology would soon be coming to customers.
