US' Walmart offers personalised virtual try-on feature for shoppers

Walmart’s Be Your Own Model feature uses algorithms and intricate machine learning models — techniques originally utilised in developing highly accurate topographic maps — to show customers an ultra-realistic simulation with shadows, fabric draping, and where clothing falls on their figure in seconds, said executive vice president, apparel and private brands, Walmart US, Denise Incandela on Walmart’s website. The technology captures all the variations and shows how they look uniquely on each individual.

“The feature is now available on more than 270,000 items across Walmart’s portfolio of exclusive, elevated brands and private brands, including Free Assembly, Scoop, Sofia Jeans and Sofia Active by Sofia Vergara, Love & Sports, ELOQUII Elements, Time & Tru, Athletic Works, Terra & Sky, No Boundaries, Avia, and The Pioneer Woman. Select items from some of Walmart’s national brands like Champion, Levi’s, and Hanes, and even some items on the Walmart Marketplace, are also part of the new experience,” according to the company’s website.

Walmart had implemented virtual try-on technology earlier in 2022 with the Choose My Model feature, which was received positively by customers. The retail chain had acquired the virtual clothing try-on start-up Zeekit in May 2021, which incorporated various artificial intelligence (AI) technologies such as computer vision, real-time image processing, and deep learning to enable shoppers to view how they would look like in an outfit. The technology renders a simulation that considers body dimensions, size, fit, and even the fabric of the garment.

If a garment is available for virtual try-on, customers will be able to view the Try It On button on the item page and have the option to view clothing on themselves (Be Your Own Model) or another model (Choose My Model). For using the Be Your Own Model feature, the customer will be asked to photograph themselves using the Walmart iOS app. After an image is saved, the customer will be able to view themselves as the model each time they use the virtual try-on experience.

While Be Your Own Model is currently available to iOS users of the Walmart app, the feature will be made accessible on Android devices in the next few weeks.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (NB)