Multinational retail corporation Walmart has introduced a virtual try-on tool, Be Your Own Model, designed to provide an in-store fitting room experience for online shoppers.
This is the latest feature that Walmart has added to its website following its acquisition of Zeekit, a virtual fitting room start-up, last year.
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Be Your Own Model uses algorithms and machine learning technology that was originally used to develop more accurate topographic maps.
Walmart said that the new feature enables customers to use their own photos and visualise how clothing will look on them.
Shoppers can use the feature by uploading a picture of themselves within the Walmart iOS app.
Once saved, they can virtually try on more than 270,000 items across Walmart’s portfolio of exclusive brands and private brands.
The retailer will also offer some national brands such as Champion, Levi’s and Hanes, as well as some items on the Walmart Marketplace.
Be Your Own Model is currently available to iOS users who have the Walmart app, with the retailer planning to make it available on Android devices in the coming weeks.
Walmart US Apparel and Private Brands executive vice-president Denise Incandela said: “Launching this next iteration of virtual try-on technology delivers on our continuous goal of making online shopping an inclusive, engaging and personalised experience that better replicates in-store shopping.
“We believe the largest and closest store to our customers is the one in their pockets.
“With both virtual try-on experiences now live, Walmart continues to offer customers an unparalleled experience that makes it easier to shop for clothes online.”
The launch of Be Your Own Model comes after Walmart introduced its first iteration of the tool, Choose My Model, in March this year.
Last month, the retailer offered to buy the remaining shares in South African retailer Massmart for R6.4bn ($377.6m).
