Walmart is introducing a new feature for consumers looking to order glasses through its opticals: a virtual try-on feature.
Consumers can expect to see this roll out in the next month, and they’ll be able to virtually compare different frame styles from home, the office, or anywhere. On top of that, shoppers will be able to purchase prescription eyewear directly from Walmart’s website or mobile app.
Walmart introduced virtual try-on technology for apparel in 2022.
“As a company, our commitment is to provide our customers with a shopping experience that exceeds expectations – one that is easy, engaging, and personalized,” said Tom Ward, executive vice president and chief ecommerce officer at Walmart.
"With our latest addition, we are offering our customers yet another dimension of choice, meeting them exactly where they are in their shopping journey. This is a testament to our continuous efforts to redefine and elevate the shopping experience.”
How it works
The virtual try-on feature is designed to mimic the in-person try-on experience in opticals. Walmart has created a digital twin of its frames that will make the virtual try-on process as close to in-person as possible.
The process works much the same as other virtual try-ons. Once consumers find a frame that they like, they click on it, and then tap the “try them on” button.
From there, there will be a quick facial scan, and then consumers will be able to see how the frames look on them. According to Walmart, consumers will “view the glasses as if they were wearing them looking in the mirror.”
There are also options to favorite certain frames, or for consumers to snap photos of themselves in the frames.
Once consumers decide on a frame, they can upload their prescription. At that point, the facial scan will measure the distance between the pupils, and then consumers are free to finalize their orders.
What if they don't fit?
If consumers have any issues with their glasses once they’re delivered, they can go to any Walmart optical and meet with opticians to ask questions or make changes to the frames.
“We continue to focus on improving access and convenience for our customers by allowing them to shop how and where they want,” said David Reitnauer, vice president of optical at Walmart. “With the launch of the Optical Virtual Try-On and online prescription eyewear shopping, we are taking the next step to help customers see better to live better.”
Consumers should keep in mind there could be privacy issues involved with any kind of facial scan. As ConsumerAffairs reported in 2022, your face could end up in a database.
Photo Credit: Consumer Affairs News Department Images
Posted: 2024-01-31 14:24:12
