Walmart’s New Try-On Platform Aims to Improve Virtual Shopping Experience
The COVID-19 pandemic rapidly accelerated the online shopping movement, and now a huge chunk of apparel purchasing is done via e-commerce. Despite the massive change in consumer buying habits, styles still may not fit right, and sizing differs across the board. Walmart is seeking to curb that challenge with its new virtual try-on platform.
Last year, the mega-retailer acquired Zeekit, a virtual fitting room platform, to enhance the digital shopping experience for customers. Since then, Walmart has rolled out several virtual platforms to further this initiative, with the most recent being the implementation of Be Your Own Model, a technology that allows customers to use their own photo to better visualize how clothing will look on them.
According to the company, with Be Your Own Model, a customer sees a realistic simulation with shadows, fabric draping, and where clothing falls on their figure. For example, a shirt can come in six different colors, seven different sizes, and two sleeve lengths. This technology reportedly captures all the variations and shows how they look on each individual.
Be Your Own Model is currently rolling out to iOS users that have the Walmart app. iOS users will also be able to take their image in the Walmart app to use the feature on desktop or web in the near future. It will be available on Android devices in the coming weeks.