Virtual Try-Ons: Reducing Returns (and Carbon Footprints) with AR
Imagine you’re shopping online for a new outfit. You find the perfect dress, click “add to cart,” and eagerly wait for it to arrive. But when you try it on, it’s not quite what you expected. The color is off, the fit is wrong, and now you have to go through the hassle of returning it. Sound familiar?
The Issue of Returns in E-Commerce
Returns are a common headache for both consumers and retailers in the world of e-commerce. According to a report by the National Retail Federation, online returns account for 25-30% of all purchases, compared to just 8-10% for brick and mortar stores. This high return rate has a significant impact on the environment as well as retailers’ bottom line. But what if there was a way to reduce returns and their carbon footprint at the same time?
Introducing Virtual Try-Ons
Virtual try-ons, also known as augmented reality (AR) try-ons, are revolutionizing the online shopping experience. AR technology allows shoppers to visualize how an item will look on them without trying it on physically. By simply using a smartphone or webcam, customers can superimpose a virtual image of the clothing onto their body and see it from all angles.
Leading retailers such as Sephora, IKEA, and Warby Parker have already implemented virtual try-ons, and the results speak for themselves. According to a report by Retail Dive, Sephora’s virtual try-on feature increased conversion rates by 200%, while Warby Parker saw a 75% decrease in customer returns.
The Benefits for Retailers
Reduced Returns
The most significant advantage of virtual try-ons for retailers is the drastic reduction in returns. With the ability to see how an item will look and fit, customers can make more informed purchasing decisions. This leads to fewer returns due to dissatisfaction with the product’s color, size, or fit. This not only saves retailers the cost of return shipping and processing but also reduces the environmental impact of returns.
Enhanced Customer Experience
Virtual try-ons also offer a more engaging and personalized shopping experience, which can lead to increased customer satisfaction and loyalty. By allowing customers to “try on” products virtually, retailers can create a sense of connection and interaction, mimicking the experience of shopping in-store. This, coupled with the convenience of online shopping, can help build brand trust and loyalty.
The Benefits for the Environment
Reduced Carbon Footprint
Returns not only have a financial impact on retailers but also an environmental one. The entire process of shipping and processing returns contributes to carbon emissions and waste. By reducing return rates, virtual try-ons can play a significant role in minimizing the fashion industry’s carbon footprint. A report by The Carbon Trust estimates that reducing returns by 10% could save 80,000 tons of carbon emissions in the UK alone.
Sustainable Fashion Practices
Virtual try-ons also align with the growing demand for sustainability in the fashion industry. By using AR technology, retailers can reduce the need for excessive production, which contributes to overconsumption and waste. With virtual try-ons, customers can visualize how an item will look on them before it is produced, thus reducing the need for excess inventory and minimizing the environmental impact of overproduction.
The Future of Virtual Try-Ons
As AR technology continues to evolve and become more accessible, we can expect to see more retailers implementing virtual try-ons. Soon, it could become the new standard in online shopping, and customers may even come to expect it from their favorite brands.
In conclusion, virtual try-ons are not only beneficial for retailers but also for the environment. By reducing returns and promoting sustainable fashion practices, AR technology is paving the way for a more eco-friendly and efficient e-commerce industry. So, the next time you’re shopping online, don’t be surprised if you see a “try on with AR” button – it may just save you a trip to the post office and help save the planet.
