The retail industry is a highly profitable industry with recorded revenue of $6 trillion in the US alone. However, if we jump back to the time of pre-Covid, only 10% of the retail sales were brought in by the eCommerce platforms.
Yes, you read that right. 90% of the retail revenue was generated from physical stores. Although, these figures may not seem relevant in the current time. We cannot resist the fact that fashion eCommerce was a slow, but game-changing stride for conventional brands. Speaking of the current time, the number of online shoppers in the US has raised to 69%.
Such numbers are possible due to the advancements in business and technology of the fashion retail industry. More and more innovations have taken place and made the user experience reliable and convenient. Latest technologies such as Instagram’s shopping tags, interactive applications, and customized search filters are a few to name. It is technology in the fashion industry that will enable a global annual growth rate of 9.4% from 2021 to 2027. Let me further take a dig at the ten latest innovations in product imagery and fashion eCommerce you can’t miss out on.
AI Product Imagery
Product imagery plays a vital role in eCommerce. It is product imagery that can help you convert potential buyers into happy consumers. With the lack of sense of physical touch, it becomes very important for a consumer to connect with a product’s online visibility. However, the rudimentary way of model image photography can be tiresome. From arranging models to managing a photoshoot, it can be tedious to get your products live. Here’s when AI-driven product imagery comes in handy. It not only saves you time but also reduces your overall expenditure. AI product imagery proves to be one of the top technological fashion supply chain solutions for its efficiency.
Spin Photography
People often confuse 3D product imaging with 360° product imaging. Both these types of imaging techniques are very similar to each other and fall under ‘Spin Photography’. Spin photography refers to the technique of giving an illusion of a rotating product using multiple images. The only difference that distinguishes 3D product imaging from 360° product imaging is the use of multiple planes instead of a single plane. Many uprising brands have taken this approach to market their products for building sustainability & diversity in the fashion retail industry.
Arunava Acharjee
(Product Marketing Manager)
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Virtual Sampling
One of the major hurdles of the fashion supply chain is sampling. The countless rejections and delays can affect your pre-production costs and also increase the waste produced. What if I tell you that you can skip the conventional process and switch to virtual product sampling? You can use a virtual sampling software suitable to your needs and eliminate the need of going through multiple sampling stages. It makes the whole process a lot faster, easier, and accessible in multiparty situations.
Virtual Tagging
An essential element of product cataloging is tagging. Virtual tagging on eCommerce platforms has helped brands increase their revenue. The tag shows all the product attributes and makes the navigation process easier for the consumer. It also helps to associate products with each other and instigates the buyer to buy more than one product. If you want to avoid empty carts, add virtual tagging to your cataloging process.
AI-Model Generation
Different brands promote different brand values. Thus, it becomes necessary for them to find unique faces to represent their brand. For example, if your brand promotes equality for all skin colors, then featuring models with fair complexion alone may be a contradiction. You may want to add more inclusivity to your product commercials and campaigns. AI-generated 3D models are one such solution. It generates unique models using AI technology and offers you a range of ethnicity and diversity to choose from. From AI-generated clothing to AI-generated models, everything is possible in a wink of an eye.
Tech Pack To eCommerce
The fashion supply chain is becoming more efficient with technology-driven solutions. One such solution is the creation of AI-generated garments using only a tech pack or even a sketch. You won’t have to manufacture a physical sample to get your product live or on a mannequin. A simple tech pack can help you generate 3D clothing and AI model imagery to sell your products online.
mCommerce
mCommerce refers to mobile commerce. With the growing number of mobile users, it has become a necessity for brands to turn to mobile eCommerce design to drive sales in fashion e-tail. As much as 34% of the retail sales in fashion are brought in by mobile or handheld devices. Making mobile phone compatible applications, focusing more on mobile eCommerce design has become a business trend. Some of the leading eCommerce businesses such as Amazon and Myntra have adopted mobile eCommerce solutions.
Virtually Creating Multiple Size Fits
It’s a tiresome task to find models of different origins and sizes. Besides, one needs to do so to cater to a wider audience. This is one of the major loopholes in the traditional supply chain that you can overcome with technology. AI-generated imagery that can help you put virtual clothing on models of different age groups and sizes is a savior. With a single tech pack, you can get images of your product on models with varying body types and ethnicity.
Personalized Product Recommendations
“Hi, you. How are you doing? I know you’ve been wanting to buy a pair of boot cut jeans. Here are some recommendations for you to buy from.” Sounds precise and hits the button right on. This is exactly what personalization is all about. Giving your consumers the freedom of viewing products of their interest enhances their shopping experience. On the other hand, showing products they might actually buy also increases the conversion rate for your business.
Voice Search
Another smart and efficient feature that promotes product agility is voice search. Including a voice search option to your eCommerce websites and mobile applications can take you a notch up in the game. Customers can directly search for products they are looking for and save their time. Voice searches use product tags to show relevant products to the consumer. Thus, the practice of image tagging will help you give more value and satisfaction to your consumer.
That’s a lot about fashion technology, but of course not enough. A lot is happening and a lot more innovations are taking place. Gen Z is moving towards digitalization faster than ever. The actual question is, are we ready to adopt them all? Well, do not worry. I am here to help you explore and learn more about tech-driven fashion solutions that can help you channelize your business through eCommerce.
