Walmart is looking to make shopping more fun and less stressful for its customers. The retail giant is testing a new policy that would allow shoppers to buy items without having to go all the way down to the bottom of the clothing rack. The policy, which is currently being tested in a few stores across the country, is called “half-naked shopping.” Under this system, shoppers are allowed to buy items up to half their body length away from the rack. This means that customers can buy clothes closer to their body size without having to go through the hassle of trying on different sizes. “We want our customers to feel comfortable and confident when they’re shopping with us,” said Walmart spokesperson Tara House. “Half-naked shopping gives them more options and makes it easier for them to find what they’re looking for.” Some shoppers are skeptical of the new policy, saying that it’s invasive and sexist. But others say that it’s a great way for Walmart to make shopping more fun and less stressful. ..
This is probably why Walmart is launching the Be Your Own Model virtual fitting room that allows users to upload half-naked photos of themselves (nope!), and try on clothes in a somewhat realistic manner. It doesn’t merely overlay the image in an artificial-looking way but displays shadows and how the fabric might drape over you.
Walmart says the augmented reality technology involves “techniques originally utilized in developing highly accurate topographic maps,” which means if the technology can develop topographic maps of Cleveland, it can handle your body.
The feature could be particularly useful when trying on a shirt that comes in several different sizes. The XL may end up actually looking baggy and the small too tight. “I look uncomfortable in those pants,” you might say to yourself.
Walmart launched its Choose Your Model virtual fitting room in May. It currently allows customers to choose from 50 models with various body types and heights and find the one who most closely resembles them (and would tie in a fight). It’s made possible by the company’s acquisition of the virtual try-on platform Zeekit.
Over 270,000 items of women’s apparel can be virtually tried on (sorry fellas). As of September 15, 2022, the feature is available on iPhones in the Walmart app. It will be open to Android users in a few weeks, according to Walmart.
Other Companies Wanting to See More of You
It has all the dignity of being weighed at the doctor’s office, but with the obvious privacy and security concerns added in. Sign me up.
I’m looking forward to clones. I have no interest in uploading half-naked or even fully clothed pictures to any app, but I hate changing rooms as well. So when clones come out, I’ll just send mine to try on clothes for me.
“And get it in black,” I’ll add.
