Bodymetrics, the body-mapping technology company that helps consumers find perfect fitting clothes, launched its first 'Body-Sizing Pod' in Northern California at Bloomingdale's Stanford Shopping Center store in Palo Alto. The company had proven success earlier this year during a pilot program at Bloomingdale's in Century City, Los Angeles, where shoppers were able to quickly find perfect-fit jeans that match their size, shape and style.
Bodymetrics' Sizing Pod utilizes 3D body scanning technology, employing Microsoft Kinect for Windows devices, to accurately calculate any individual's size and shape. Shoppers step into a private 'Bodymetrics Pod' at Bloomingdale's where their body is carefully mapped with hundreds of measurements and contours to determine the best jean from all leading brands in stock at Bloomingdale's. The mapping process is designed to find styles of jeans that will fit, flatter and accentuate shoppers' unique shape.
"By merging fashion with technology, we allow our shoppers to get unparalleled style and fit and leave with that elusive pair of perfectly fitting jeans," says Frank Doroff, vice chairman and GMM for ready-to-wear at Bloomingdale's.
Body-Sizing Pods increase foot-traffic at retail stores, and can help shoppers find better fitting clothes online. Bodymetrics has a three-year track record at Selfridges, the luxury department store in London, where its pod delivers one of the highest retail yields in the world. In the denim department at Selfridges on Oxford Street, the Bodymetrics Pod now accounts for 20 percent of all premium denim sales, said Suran Goonatilake, CEO of Bodymetrics.
"Bodymetrics takes the guesswork out of clothes shopping," said Goonatilake. "It's much easier and far more likely that shoppers will quickly find the perfect fit with our service."
While apparel e-commerce is still growing fast, the 2011 online apparel and accessories percent of total sales was only 11 percent, said Suchartia Mulpuru, vice president and principal analyst at Forrester Research. There is clearly room for growth.
"Apparel customers are not happy with Buy-Try-and-Return," said Goonatilake. "Customers lack confidence in purchasing clothes online because you can't try them on. Bodymetrics allows shoppers to buy apparel online with confidence, while enhancing revenue options for retailers."
