In an effort to position itself as a fashion destination, Walmart announced on Thursday that it’s rolling out a new Be Your Own Model virtual try-on function, according to a company post. The new option allows customers to upload full-body images of themselves to the Walmart app and use them to virtually try on select apparel, per the release.
This launch follows Walmart’s acquisition of Zeekit in May of last year, allowing the company to launch its Choose My Model function this March, which lets users to view apparel on a selection of over 50 models ranging in height, size and skin color.
The new functionality is currently rolling out to iOS Walmart app users in the U.S., and those users will soon be able to upload their image via the app to be used on desktop or web. Android access to Be Your Own Model will come in the following weeks.
Currently available on more than 270,000 apparel items at Walmart, the technology uses algorithms and machine-learning originally used to make realistic topographic maps in order to create a more realistic experience that utilizes shadows and fabric draping. Items that are able to utilize the new function are marked with a “Try It-On” button on the product page.
Walmart did not immediately respond to Retail Dive inquiries about the privacy of customers’ saved images.
