A successful pilot has led to the full launch of SizeFinder – an AI chatbot designed to help customers find perfect-fitting clothes A fashion chatbot designed to help shoppers find clothes that guarantee a perfect fit is set for an official launch following an enormously successful trial period.
SizeFinder – which uses Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology to provide fashion advice for customers – was piloted by London startup Viko Ai in recent months. The results were both exciting and encouraging – helping to reduce customer clothes returns by a staggering 46% on average (or 60% in some instances). The AI tool works by aligning product-specific sizing data (known as tech packs) with the shopper’s own measurements and preferences.
SizeFinder offers guidance for buyers on how to take accurate measurements, but can also use customers’ previously-purchased clothes to make recommendations. Despite strong demand, online retail has been hampered by high return rates – with clothing and footwear affected most of all. Young fashion website ASOS just recently announced the departure of its chief executive – a move attributed in part to an increase in returns.
“Poor fit” is cited as the most common reason for customers returning clothing in the current market – so Viko Ai conducted a study to analyse why so many shoppers are failing to order the right sizes first time around. Based on a study of 1,000 online shoppers, Viko Ai deduced that people either ignore size charts or regard these guidance documents as inaccurate and/or unreliable.
One example is the Barbour size chart on John Lewis’ website, which is accompanied by the message: “actual measurements may vary slightly by style”.
Viko Ai’s founder Toby Hobson said that SizeFinder had been launched to offer personalised fashion advice that would reduce the rate of returns across the retail sector. He stated: “Merchants like to complain about returns, but if they don’t offer accurate, easily accessible information, what do they expect? ”
A SizeFinder demo is available online now, with the full launch to follow.
