Tag: augmented reality

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Fashion Forward: Embracing the Tech Trends of 2024 for Retail Success

As the fashion industry unfurls its vibrant fabrics, a new era of innovation dawns on the horizon. In the year 2024, fashion and technology intertwine, paving the way for retailers to captivate their audience and transcend the traditional shopping experience. In this article, we’ll delve into the cutting-edge fashion technology trends of 2024, offering insights into how to implement these trends and outlining the potential benefits for forward-thinking fashion retailers.

VIRTUAL TRY-ON EXPERIENCES

In a world where online shopping reigns supreme, providing customers with a virtual try-on experience is a game-changer. By leveraging augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) technologies, fashion retailers can offer customers the ability to virtually try on clothes and accessories from the comfort of their homes. This immersive experience enhances customer engagement and reduces the likelihood of returns, creating a seamless and satisfying shopping journey.

Implementation Tip: Collaborate with tech firms specializing in AR and VR to create a user-friendly and realistic virtual try-on platform integrated into your online store.

Benefits: Increased customer satisfaction, reduced return rates, and a boost in online sales.

SUSTAINABLE TECH FABRICS

As sustainability continues to shape the fashion landscape, the integration of technology into eco-friendly fabrics is gaining traction. From self-healing materials to fabrics with embedded sensors monitoring environmental impact, tech-infused sustainable fashion not only aligns with consumer values but also promotes innovation within the industry.

Implementation Tip: Partner with sustainable tech fabric suppliers and showcase your commitment to eco-conscious fashion through dedicated collections.

Benefits: Enhanced brand reputation, appeal to environmentally conscious consumers, and participation in the global push for sustainable practices.

PERSONALIZED SHOPPING EXPERIENCES

Artificial intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing personalization in the world of fashion retail. By implementing AI algorithms, retailers can analyze customer preferences, purchase history, and browsing behavior to curate personalized product recommendations. This fosters a deeper connection with customers and increases the likelihood of conversion.

Implementation Tip: Invest in AI-powered customer relationship management (CRM) systems to gather and analyze customer data, tailoring marketing strategies and product offerings accordingly.

Benefits: Improved customer retention, increased sales, and a competitive edge in the crowded retail landscape.

SMART FITTING ROOMS

Revolutionizing the in-store experience, smart fitting rooms equipped with RFID technology and interactive mirrors offer customers a tech-savvy and efficient way to shop. RFID-enabled clothing tags allow the system to recognize items brought into the fitting room, providing additional product information and suggesting complementary pieces. This seamless integration of technology enhances the overall in-store experience and encourages cross-selling.

Implementation Tip: Collaborate with technology providers specializing in smart retail solutions to design and implement smart fitting rooms in your stores.

Benefits: Increased in-store engagement, higher conversion rates, and a reputation for embracing innovative retail solutions.

 

In conclusion, the fashion industry in 2024 is witnessing a revolution of style and technology, opening doors for retailers to engage customers in novel ways. Embracing virtual try-on experiences, sustainable tech fabrics, personalized shopping, and smart fitting rooms positions fashion brands at the forefront of innovation, fostering customer loyalty and driving business success in the digital age. As we navigate this tech-infused fashion frontier, the key to success lies in a willingness to adapt, experiment, and remain at the cutting edge of industry trends.

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Virtual try on now possible with Augmented Reality and Artificial Intelligence​

Virtual try on now possible with Augmented Reality and Artificial Intelligence​

Online shopping—the frictionless experience that has advanced to allow customers to tap a button or two and bring new stuff to their home sometimes within a matter of hours. 

As tech has developed rapidly, the prominence of online shopping has additionally risen consistently. And keeping in mind that the demise of physical stores has been for the most part overhyped, online shopping has become more prevalent due to the pandemic. For fashion specifically: 35.6% of clothing was purchased online in 2020, contrasted with 16.7% the decade prior. 

The biggest issue with online shopping however is that consumers like to see the item before they purchase—particularly with fashion. As a result 40% return rate is the new norm. In pre-pandemic occasions, the main motivation for customers to visit stores was to try clothing on and moreover the experience of visiting the store. But does GenZ care about inshore experience or online?

Clearly, this hasn’t stopped a huge number of consumers from purchasing fashion online. In any case, the issue remains with online shopping, the ability to see the clothing on — to envision what that new dress, or pair of shoes, or jeans look like on. Relying on imagination has resulted in consumers purchasing several items of the same style with the intent of returning, due to ease of return policies, costing the industry millions if not billions. 

So shouldn’t something be said about a “virtual try on” or fitting room service? Since 2010, fashion companies have been chipping away at some type of innovation that permits customers to “try on” clothing online. Retailers and tech organisations a like, have had a go at tackling this issue by means of a combination of augmented reality, AI, cameras and different types of sensors such as LIDAR. 

Augmented Reality (AR) is one of the key pieces of tech for virtual fitting rooms. The idea overlays 3D clothing onto a real life model. However most solutions today can not mirror the clothing and the body of the consumer. Most rely on preset body shapes, which again are not a true reflection of the customer. Nor does the clothing mirror the look and movement of cloth, most solutions look more 2D than 3D. 

It’s an enormous venture that a ton of huge name organisations have attempted to enter into. Companies like Walmart, Adidas, Kohl’s, Macy’s, and Nike are trying virtual fit tech. With Walmart acquiring Israeli start up Zeekit for around $200 million, goes to show the push for virtual try on and the difficulties of developing the tech, where companies are buying proven models.

For all the big promises of virtual fitting room tech, it all comes down to how willing consumers are to actually use it. And as with online shopping in general, GenZ’s are more likely to use the tech than older ones.

Retailers will be able to build brand loyalty through more personalised shopping experiences. This will drive sales, increase repeat visits, and build a loyal customer base. But retailers need to invest in the right kind of technology that’s easy to use, both for the retailer and for the consumer.

Many larger companies are turning to mirrARme to solve this issue of virtual try on tech. And the cost benefit of doing so has increased engagement, sales, reduced returns but more importantly, given the customer a 10X online shopping experience.

It might sound more in the future this will become mainstream, yet it’s occurring now. So don’t be amazed if very before long you’re tweaking your size and style through a mirrARme partner.