Revolutionizing E-Commerce with AI-Powered Virtual Fitting Rooms

Returns are a significant challenge in e-commerce, potentially impacting the Profit and Loss (P&L) statements of businesses. To address this, Bershka, a Spanish clothing retailer, has embraced innovative technology solutions.

Innovative Solution: 3DLOOK’s Virtual Try-On Service

Bershka has teamed up with 3DLOOK, an AI-driven virtual fitting room platform, to offer a more seamless online shopping experience. The initiative aims to reduce return rates by addressing the uncertainty of fit and size in online shopping.

How It Works

Customers on Bershka’s website can opt for a virtual try-on experience by using the “See how it fits me” widget. This feature is accessible across various devices, including mobile phones and laptops. The process requires customers to take two photos – front and side views. An AI-powered voice assistant guides the customers through the process, ensuring optimal posing for accurate results. The 3D mapping technology, combined with an advanced size recommendation system, provides immediate, personalized advice on the most suitable size, creating a realistic and accurate virtual fitting experience.

Expanding the Horizon: Virtual Fitting Rooms Across Industries

The concept of virtual fitting rooms is not new. In the beauty industry, for instance, virtual try-ons for makeup are commonplace. However, the potential for this technology extends far beyond. Here are several industries that could benefit from virtual fitting rooms:

1. Home Decor and Interior Design: Customers can virtually place furniture, wall art, and other decor items in their homes to see how they fit and look in their actual living spaces. This would include experimenting with different styles, colors, and layouts.
2. Eyewear and Accessories: Virtual try-ons for glasses, watches, and jewelry could allow customers to see how these items look on them, considering their face shape, outfit, or even the occasion.
3. Sports and Fitness Equipment: For items like bicycles, golf clubs, or even fitness wearables, virtual try-ons can help customers understand the size, fit, and look, enhancing their buying confidence.
4. Electronics and Gadgets: Imagine virtually placing a TV in your living room to see if the size is right, or seeing how a new smartwatch looks on your wrist.
5. Automotive: Customers could virtually experience different car models, experimenting with colors, and interiors, and even sitting inside to get a feel of the dashboard layout.
6. Gardening and Outdoor Equipment: Virtually arranging garden furniture, plants, and outdoor decor could help in planning and visualizing garden layouts and outdoor spaces.
7. Musical Instruments: Musicians could virtually try different instruments to see how they look and feel, which could be especially useful for larger instruments like pianos or drum sets.
8. Travel Gear: Virtual try-ons for luggage, backpacks, and other travel accessories could help customers understand the size, look, and functionality of these items to their travel needs. Imagine that you are checking whether this suitcase will definitely fit under the seat in front of you in Ryanair or Wizzair.No more surcharges for oversized luggage :)
9. Kitchen Appliances and Cookware: Virtually placing appliances and cookware in one's kitchen to see how they fit with the existing decor and space.
10. Office Furniture and Equipment: This would allow individuals and businesses to virtually design and arrange their office spaces, ensuring the right fit and ergonomics for desks, chairs, and other office equipment.

I would say that we are only limited by our imagination, yet today we have a remarkable solution to these limitations in the form of Generative AI.

Furthermore, the rapid development of AI tools is likely to significantly lower the entry barrier. In time, even small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) in e-commerce will be able to implement such solutions.

Additionally, the environment stands to gain from this advancement. Reduced returns in e-commerce imply not only lower costs and higher profits but also a decrease in the carbon footprint.

However, it remains uncertain whether the increased demand for computing power, driven by AI, might offset these environmental benefits. This, however, is a topic for another discussion.