How augmented reality can cut down on returns


Students wearing costumes pose for photographs while taking part in Halloween celebrations on Oct 30, 2022. Roughly two-thirds of consumers who used AR technology to guide their shopping decision were less likely to return their purchase, according to a recent survey conducted by market research firm Alter Agents. — AFP

With Halloween upon us, here’s something scary: Americans are expected to spend close to US$3bil (RM14.18bil) this year on costumes, according to the National Retail Federation, many of which only get worn once. Factor in the growing number of returns spawned by the rise of ecommerce, and the environmental impact of Oct 31 can be frightening all on its own.

A bit of technology could help. For the first time this year, costume company Disguise Inc is partnering with Snapchat owner Snap Inc on an augmented-reality lens that lets users try on costumes virtually and then order them directly from their phone. Snapchat users take a full-body photo and then browse Disguise’s Snapchat store for costumes, which they can “try on” using an AR filter that shows how the costume would look on their person before they buy it.

Subscribe or renew your subscriptions to win prizes worth up to RM68,000!

Monthly Plan

RM13.90/month

Annual Plan

RM12.33/month

Billed as RM148.00/year

1 month

Free Trial

For new subscribers only


Cancel anytime. No ads. Auto-renewal. Unlimited access to the web and app. Personalised features. Members rewards.

Related stories:

Tales of tech terror

   

Next In Tech News

Intel expects reduced U.S. grant after winning defense contract
Nvidia shows AI model that can modify voices, generate novel sounds
Analysis-Lilium's fall throws spotlight on air-taxi cash crunch
AI analytics firm Pyramid Analytics secures $50 million from BlackRock
Google's US antitrust trial over online ad empire draws to a close
Corning offers to waive exclusive deals in EU antitrust probe, may stave off fine
US finalizes awards to BAE Systems, Rocket Lab for semiconductor chips
Social media sites call for Australia to delay its ban on children younger than 16
Study: New coating can make China’s stealth aircraft invisible to anti-stealth radar
Apple chief returns to China as Beijing prepares to fete CEOs

Others Also Read