Walmart has increased its support for AI-powered virtual trying-on technology. This allows online shoppers to see clothing on models that are similar to their own body and appearance. Walmart.com customers were able to choose from dozens of models in order to find the one that best resembled them. They could then see how clothes would look on their body, with their skin tone, and across a variety of apparel items. The retailer has now launched “Be Your Own Model,” a new technology that allows customers to upload their photos and see how clothing fits them.
The virtual try-on technology is a result of Walmart’s 2021 purchase of startup Zeekit. This computer vision-powered, neural network-powered feature can analyze catalog images of garments in order to create a dressed image. Neural networks are used to identify the variations of a product. This includes size, color, and other factors such as fabric draping or sleeves length.
This creates more realistic imagery than other experiences that simply display a photo over another, Walmart claims. This makes it feel unique from other tech, such as AR-enabled Shopping, says Cheryl Ainoa (SVP of New Businesses and Emerging Tech Walmart Global Tech).
” We didn’t feel satisfied with customers because a lot AR experiences are basically like laying flat images on top of flat images.” she said. This doesn’t allow you to actually see what the article of clothing will look like on you .”
Walmart initially presented its virtual try-on options for models with heights between 5’2″ and 6’0″, and sizes XS to XXXL, across “thousands”. As of today, this earlier iteration is now available on more than 270,000 items across both national brands like Champion, Levi’s and Hanes, and Walmart’s portfolio of brands, including Sofia Active by Sofia Vergara, Love & Sports, ELOQUII Elements, Time & Tru, Athletic Works, Terra & Sky, No Boundaries, Avia and The Pioneer Woman. The feature is also supported by a smaller number of products on Walmart Marketplace. It has been expanded to 100. models, from 50.
Customers no longer need to choose from only the models that are available.
Instead of using their photos, Walmart.com desktop shoppers and Walmart’s mobile app users will be able use their photos to create a more personal shopping experience. This feature will be available first to iOS users and then to web shoppers on Walmart.com. Android will follow in the coming weeks.
Image Credits: Walmart
To get started, customers need to first snap a photo with the Walmart iOS App in order to import their image into the system. The customer can then virtual try on all the supported clothing items to see how it looks. Sign-in is required to view the photo. However, it can be removed at any time.
The company believes that this technology will help to improve conversions and reduce returns, which are still problems with online apparel shopping.
According to Denise Incandela (Walmart EVP Apparel Division, Private Brands), the initial “Choose My Model” feature was a success.
Image Credits: Walmart
” We’re excited about the insights [the “Choose my Model” feature], so we have expanded the 50 models and now the 120,. She says that she continues to invest in this. “We’ve seen exactly what we expected in terms of improved .”
conversion.
Walmart declined specific metrics about conversion increases or the impact on returns as the technology is still in its infancy.
The retailer recognizes that not all customers will be interested in being a model. Therefore, it will continue to support “Choose My Model”, which will also be available alongside the new feature. The company’s long-term goal, however, is to encourage more customers to use their image to help them shop online and in-store.
The retailer believes it will continue to drive conversions as the previous feature did.
” This will be the first time customers can see themselves. They’ll be able to see themselves on the product detail page, and in the product landing pages. It’s the reason I bought the Zeekit product, and it’s also why I was so excited about it,” Incandela says.
Walmart plans to extend the technology to children’s and men’s apparel, and accessories, and to integrate more brands.
“Be Your Own Model” was soft-launched on the Walmart iOS App before today, but it is now being rolled out more widely, beginning today.