Amazon To Build High-Tech Fitting Rooms In Its New Physical Department Stores
Image via Eric Broder Van Dyke / Shutterstock.com
Following the introduction of its Just Walk Out technology a couple of years ago, Amazon’s planning on revamping the in-store shopping experience even more.
Apart from just scanning your palms to check out, like in Whole Foods locations, the retail giant is also hoping to introduce high-tech dressing rooms in its new department stores.
Shoppers will be able to simply scan a QR code for items they wish to try on, and a salesperson will instantly be notified to bring those items to a fitting room.
Amazon wouldn’t be the first to try and bring technology into fitting rooms. As per Forbes, Ralph Lauren had installed RFID technology to track shoppers’ items back in 2015. It included smart mirrors which allowed customers to try on clothing in different sizes and colors, too.
American Eagle also had a similar experiment when it placed iPads in some of the stores. The tablets let shoppers search for different sizes, styles, or request for items without having to leave the dressing room. Other brands that’ve engaged high-tech devices include UNIQLO, Neiman Marcus, and Topshop.
According to a report by The Wall Street Journal, Amazon may also be looking to introduce a similar service that’ll let shoppers ask for more items using a touchscreen tablet, or browse recommendations based on their specific shopping history.
One incentive for brands to adopt smart changing rooms is that it reduces the number of returns after purchase. Walmart, another giant in the space, also announced it was buying virtual dressing rooms from Zeekit, a startup from Israel. It said such measures could reduce returns by as much as 36%.
“Virtual try-on is a game-changer and solves what has historically been one of the most difficult things to replicate online: understanding fit and how an item will actually look on you,” explained Denise Incandela, EVP of Apparel and Private Brands for Walmart US.
As a market leader, it’s certainly exciting to see how Amazon plans on pushing boundaries in its new stores. If it’s half as innovative as its Just Walk Out technology, it’s likely to be a hit with shoppers.
[via Forbes, cover image via Eric Broder Van Dyke / Shutterstock.com]
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