German online retail giant Zalando has closed the deal to buy Swiss mobile body scanning developer Fision for an undisclosed amount.
The fashion e-tailer has been dedicated to help customers find the right size and fit right at home and the acquisition is a step forward in that direction.
Zurich-based Fision’s app and virtual dressing room scans the customer’s body to help them see how a garment will fit them.
The technology, which uses computer vision, artificial intelligence and data analysis, will soon be integrated in Zalando’s platform. Currently, Zalando uses customers’ purchase history and return history to give them sizing advice.
This kind of upgradation in technology is important in the current retail landscape and according to Valuates Reports, the global virtual fitting room market is forecast to grow more than 2x from US $ 3 billion to US $ 6.5 billion by 2025.
The acquisition also marks the start of a technology hub in Zurich for the Berlin-based retailer wherein it expects to employ over 150 jobs over time.
“We are constantly on the lookout for new teams and technologies that can help us provide the best experience to our customers along their entire fashion journey,” said Jim Freeman, Zalando’s Chief Technology Officer.
Jim added “We will continue to invest in strengthening Zalando’s tech capabilities in order to propel us on our path to become the starting point for millions of fashion customers across Europe.”
