German e-commerce giant Zalando has acquired a small Swiss company to help its 34 million+ customers choose and buy clothes that will fit on their body. The company has picked up Zurich-based Fision, a computer vision software outfit that has developed technologies (see Meepl.com) that generate 3D virtual bodies and clothing models, for an undisclosed sum.
Helping people find the right size and fit for clothes they buy online has been one of the greatest challenges faced by the fashion industry, Zalando says, as sizing systems across categories, regions, and brands vary dramatically (as anyone who has ever bought something online can attest to).
"Integrating unique and complementary capabilities of Fision and Zalando is a win-win for customers and our brand partners," comments Stacia Carr, Zalando’s Director of Engineering - Size and Fit in a statement. "Customers will get size advice earlier in their relationship with Zalando. At the same time, we can create a feedback loop between brands and consumers designed to drive customer loyalty and in the long run reduce waste," she added.
We interviewed Carr earlier this year about the topic of size and fit.
The Fision team will continue to be based in Zurich while fully integrating with Zalando. The latter says it intends to build a new tech hub in Zurich, growing the site to 150+ jobs over time.
Would you like to write the first comment?
Login to post comments