Online shopping, the delightful and frictionless experience that continues to evolve, enabling shoppers to summon new stuff at the click of their hands to their homes in just a matter of a few hours, days. Sometimes even weeks, depending entirely on the nature of the order placed.
online shopping
As the internet becomes more sophisticated and ubiquitous. Online shopping becomes increasingly popular for at-home shoppers because of its convenience.
While the death of brick and mortar sales is mostly overhyped and false. a better approach to encourage virtual shoppers is truthfully acknowledging that the pandemic-mired era. It as undoubtedly accelerated the embrace of online shopping on a global scale.
For example
For example, statistics from the eMarketer show that e-commerce makes up 15.3% of all retail sales in the United States in 2021, up from 7.1% in 2015. What holds for commerce, in general. Is also true for apparel in particular. In 2020 apparel bought online was 35.6% compared to 16.7%, ten years ago.
Brief History of Virtual Fitting Rooms
Following is a timeline of the exciting history of virtual fitting rooms by industry innovators. Including Intel, Microsoft, Snap Inc, and many more, so let’s dive right in.
2005:
Levi’s launches Intellifit, a body scanning booth that resembles the eight-by-eight sq. foot airport security booth. The booth design helps narrow down options for jean-wearers and their possible fit. It marks one of the earliest debuts of body-scanning tech commercially in the retail industry.
2010:
Business of Fashion poses an as-yet-unanswered question: Can technology help fashion etailers tackle try before you buy? In turn, profiling iterations of early virtual-fitting rooms.
2011:
3D camera tech Microsoft Kinect, initially created for Xbox gaming consoles. Is considered a potential shopping platform, KinectShop. The purpose of setting up shop was to convey how different pieces. Clothing would look on the shopper’s body.
In the same year, an LCD monitor called the Magic Mirror was demonstrated by Intel. The monitor helps shoppers visualize how pieces of clothing would look on their bodies.
2012:
Bodymetrics, a body-mapping startup, partnered with Bloomingdale’s. To launch Microsoft Kinect-Esque virtual fitting-room tech at the Palo Alto location of its department store.
2013:
Looksery is founded. This technology was responsible for Snapchat’s AR lenses that Snap Inc. bought for $150 million two years later.
In the same year, Luxottica introduces a 3D virtual try-on app via Glasses.com. Gesulting in 1.3 million downloads in less than a year.
2015:
Snap Inc. introduces Lenses, AR filters that warp, enhance and overlay elements on the user’s face. These filters have become wildly mainstream for users and companies alike.
2017:
Warby Parker, infamously known as the DTC-glasses darling. Introduces face-mapping technology to its iOS app. Enabling shoppers to make glasses recommendations based on their faces’ shape.
In the same year, Snap Inc. opens Lens Studio. Facebook introduces AR tools on Instagram and FB. Much like Snapchat, making it easier for people to create AR lenses.
2018:
Benefit Cosmetics introduces virtual try-on tech so shoppers can experiment with unique eyebrow sizes, shapes, and shades.
2019:
Google rolls out the AR beauty Try-On, an AR feature specifically. Targeted to YouTube’s fan base of beauty content initially partnering up with MAC cosmetics.
Instagram introduces virtual try-on features to enhance the shopper’s experience.
2020:
Pinterest jumps on the virtual try-on bandwagon focused specifically on makeup through AR tech. The tool’s launch witnesses partnerships with reputed brands like L’Oréal, Sephora, NYX, YSL, and more.
In June, Amazon’s hardware lab made the Outfit-VITON. Amodel that relies on images through virtual try-on.
2021:
Walmart acquires Israel-based startup, Zeekit. Which previously helped clients cut down on returns by 36%.
In July, Gap picks up Drapr. Enabling shoppers to create 3D avatars to test their fits.
Wrap It Up
Virtual fitting rooms are transforming the shopper experience by personalizing it. We can’t wait to see the evolution of self-expression that comes with it. In the meantime, we want you to witness virtual fitting rooms at the best speed available. Check out Spectrum Bundles and call Spectrum Customer Service for awesome internet deals.
