Walmart, the world's largest retailer, has announced it has acquired Zeekit, a startup that develops an AI platform that allows shoppers to virtually "try on" clothes while shopping online.
The platform operates through a combination of technologies: real-time image processing, computer vision, deep learning and artificial intelligence technologies. "Trying on" clothes for a client, the tool takes into account body parameters, fit, size, and even the material of the clothes themselves.
Zeekit was founded in 2013 by CEO Yael Wiesel, VP Nir Appleboym and CTO Alon Crystal. The main goal of the startup was to reduce the number of returns of clothing purchases made on the Internet thanks to the possibility of virtual fitting.
In the past, the company has already had experience of cooperation with some stores and brands, including Macy's, Asos, Tommy Hilfiger, Adidas and others. In 2016, the platform also provided services to designers at New York Fashion Week.
The cost of the transaction between the trading network and the startup according to Yael Wiesel herself, it amounted to more than 200 million US dollars. Zeekit is known to have raised $24 million in investment since 2014.
After integrating the platform to the official Walmart website, the buyer will be able to upload their own full-length image there or choose from the proposed photos of models the one that best matches their parameters (height, weight, body type and skin tone). Then, any clothes can be “put on” on the uploaded or selected photo - according to the startup, it guarantees the same realism as when personally trying on in front of a mirror.
Also, users will be given the function of sending their photos from the fitting via messengers or social networks - for those who are used to shopping with friends and asking their opinion before buying.
We are confident that thanks to the team's experience in bringing real-time image processing, computer vision and artificial intelligence technologies to the fashion world, we will find even more ways to provide innovative solutions for our customers.
Denis Incandela, executive vice president of Walmart USA The retail chain did not reveal the exact launch date for the Zeekit service on its website, only indicating that it would "happen soon."