Makip, a Japanese tech specialist, is entering the UK market with the aim of revolutionising sizing technology and enhancing the online shopping experience. The company’s president, Shingo Tsukamoto, revealed that Makip’s advanced technology can offer more than just accurate sizing. Their Hero Analysis product, powered by an AI algorithm called Al, helps fashion retailers develop data-driven sales strategies and maximise customer lifetime value.
It identifies potential ‘Hero items’ that can attract brand superfans and provides reports on items with a high potential to become popular.
Makip’s core product is its Unisize tech, which assists online shoppers in determining whether a particular item will fit them. The company distinguishes itself from other sizing assistants by asking more comprehensive questions about shoppers’ preferences and incorporating broader data to match items with individual body types. Makip has created a specific algorithm for the UK market by measuring and analysing hundreds of British individuals, as British body types differ from Japanese ones.
The potential of Makip’s technology is significant, with approximately 30 per cent of website users using the sizing tech, resulting in an average reduction of returns by 20 per cent. A survey commissioned by Makip for its UK launch revealed that 75 per cent of UK e-shoppers find sizes inconsistent between brands, and 60 per cent believe online sizing technology lacks accuracy due to the varying systems used by different websites.
Makip aims to address these challenges by providing more accurate and advanced sizing technology, helping customers feel confident in their online fashion purchases. Shingo Tsukamoto emphasised the need for retailers to embrace new technologies and proactively support their customers to ensure a better shopping experience.
