Fit Analytics Blog

Holiday Shopping Trends 2020

As the holiday season approaches, we analyzed product trends from the last two years to predict what people will be shopping for amidst a pandemic. This year is sure to be unlike any other.

It’s the second week of November, which means that the holiday season is officially here. November is known for a few things – the US election, Thanksgiving, and Black Friday, among other events. With Black Friday 2020 comes holiday shopping – and that’s what we’re going to dive into today.

[VIDEO] The Future of Retail Technology: An Interview with Business Reporter UK

In this interview with Fit Analytics, UK news outlet Business Reporter talks with our Co-Founder Sebastian Schulze about the importance of prioritizing personalization technologies for online retailers.

Video and Article | Business Reporter UK | Released 05-Nov-2020

In this Interview You’ll Learn:

Why a company needs to consider personalization technologies to stay competitive
How data can create a closer relationship between retailers and customers
How the future of retail will change with increasing technological adaptations

10 Years of Fit Analytics

Fit Analytics is turning 10 this year! In this article, we take you back in history to better understand how we started, why we pivoted, and where we are today.

As we approach Fit Analytics’ 10-year anniversary, we would like to reflect on our journey with you and share our learnings along the way.

It all started in 2010 with the launch of UPcload, a webcam-based body modeling service that allowed users to create a personalized fit profile using a laptop and a CD as a reference item. While the idea behind UPcload was extremely relevant to online shoppers – fit recommendations based on physical photo scans – ultimately the technology was a bit too laborious for consumer adaptation at scale.

COVID-19 and the 2020 Holiday Retail Season

Our e-book shares key purchasing and returns trends amidst the backdrop of COVID-19 and advises on how retailers can dominate their market share this 2020 holiday retail season.

Introduction

The apparel retail industry was one of the many sectors that bore the devastating brunt of COVID-19. The impact of the pandemic on the retail sector caused problems like store closures, loss of jobs, a decrease in footfall, and the inability to clear seasonal stock.

But it’s not all doom and gloom, since the first wave of the pandemic and as the months have gone by – surveys have shown that consumer behavior has shifted to purchasing items online. This means that retailers who are able to make the requisite changes and innovations that follow and meet the needs of their consumers will be rewarded.

Multiple Size Alert Reduces Returns by 6%

Fit Finder’s Multiple Size Alert feature is proven to reduce multi-size orders for retailers.

As apparel shopping continues to shift from offline to online, more and more customers are forced to adjust to a new way of shopping. During the last 5 months alone, COVID-19 has shortened the timeline for evolution from brick-and-mortar to online from 5-10 years to a matter of months. While consumers are concerned with fitting room accessibility and the fear of shopping in stores, they are now looking to e-commerce to fulfill their shopping needs.

This isn’t a new trend for the retail industry. In fact, according to Statista 59% of U.S. shoppers purchased clothing online between Q2 2018 and Q2 2019. We expect to see that number rise in 2020.

[VIDEO] Big Data and Sizing: An Interview with WDR

In this interview with Fit Analytics and Zalando, German news outlet WDR takes a look at how apparel retailers leverage big data to help customers find the right size.

Video | WDR Markt | Aired on 09.09.2020 | By Philip Hinken

The returns problem costs companies money and hurts the environment. That’s no secret. And while online retailers are working to implement various ecommerce solutions to improve the shopping experience and streamline online operations, consumers are also searching for ways they can make better buying decisions. According to a Nielsen study, 3 out of 4 millennial shoppers are willing to spend more for sustainable offerings. With the collective focus shifting from consumerism to sustainability, online shoppers are taking a hard look at their shopping behaviors. In this video report, Westdeutscher Rundfunk’s program MARKT takes a look at how apparel companies leverage big data to solve sizing and shows consumers what sizing solutions are all about. This German-language interview is transcribed in English below.

The Impact of COVID on British High Street Retailers

The detrimental impact of COVID on British High Street retailers so far.

Store Closures

The first wave of COVID shook a lot of British high street stores and rattled them hard. Cath Kidston was one of the many U.K. retailers that had to close its doors and focus on its online platform.

Apparel FAQ with Senior Client Partner Irina Sulejmanovic

Fit Analytics’ North American Senior Client Partner, Irina Sulejmanovic, shares her view on common characteristics of companies partnered with Fit Analytics.

Our partners are diverse and varied, but one thing they all have in common is an innovative ethos. In today’s interview, Irina reflects on our journey from ambitious start-up to the industry leader in sizing and fit, and how cutting-edge thinking continues to inform decisions in an ever-changing apparel landscape for Fit Analytics and our partners.

Changes in BTS Clothing Shopping

Back-to-school shopping is sure to look different this year. We analyze the changing trends in retail and present what to expect for this fall season.

As summer draws to a close and the world of fashion launches fall collections, consumers and retailers alike question what back-to-school (BTS) shopping will look like this year. Many parents are still in the dark as to whether school will continue to be held virtually or in the classroom. Due to the uncertainty brought about by COVID-19, retailers know that this year will be a different kind of back-to-school shopping. They are scaling back on normal BTS clothing, like jeans, tees, and sweaters, and placing their apparel bets on loungewear, activewear, and other comfy items to wear while “distance learning.”

Vanity Sizing and Size Charts: A Brief History

The complex and organic evolution of clothing manufacturing has lead to the current state of sizing in today’s garment industry.

“Why isn’t there a universal sizing standard,” consumers cry. Unfortunately, brands can’t turn every frustrated tweet about vanity sizing and the need for clothing size chart conversion into a history lesson, though there is a reason for the size madness. This article aims to shed some light on the sizing problem by taking a quick look at the fascinating history of apparel sizing standards.