The online version of the venerable Sears catalogue will soon include customizable, virtual 3D models to help shoppers ensure that style, color, pattern and fit are right before they buy.
IBM and My Virtual Model, Inc. teamed up with Chicago-based Sears to make the retailer the first with both a visual search and virtual model applied to an entire online catalogue. The updated Sears site, powered by IBM WebSphere Commerce and My Virtual Model, will let consumers search for merchandise using images rather than words, and to "try on" selected items virtually using personalized models of themselves.
"Today's customers are not only ready for 3D online shopping, they are demanding it," Sandy Carter, vice president, SOA and WebSphere, IBM.
Shoppers can create countless combinations using a virtual model they build and personalize to match their measurements—height, weight, body shape—and a headshot photo. The 3D angle allows users to view garments on their virtual selves from the front, side and back, and shoppers can also email images of their looks to friends and family to help them make final decisions.
Sears.com plans to go live with Visual Search in late October.