Technological Advancement in Fashion Online Retailing: A Comparative Study of Pakistan and UK Fashion E-Commerce

The study aims to establish the virtual size and fit technology features to enhance fashion online retailing platforms, utilising digital human measurements to provide customised style and function to consumers. A few firms in the UK have launched advanced interactive fashion shopping domains for personalised shopping globally, aided by the latest internet technology. Virtual size and fit interfaces have a great potential to provide a personalised better-fitted garment to promote mass customisation globally. Made-to-measure clothing, consuming unstitched fabric is a common practice offered by fashion brands in Pakistan. This product is regarded as economical and sustainable to be utilised by consumers in Pakistan. Although the manual sizing system is practiced to sell garments online, virtual size and fit visualisation and recommendation technologies are uncommon in Pakistani fashion interfaces. A comparative assessment of Pakistani fashion brand websites and UK technology-driven fashion interfaces was conducted to highlight the vast potential of the virtual size and fit technology. The results indicated that web 2.0 technology adopted by Pakistani apparel brands has limited features, whereas companies practicing web 3.0 technology provide interactive online real-store shopping experience leading to enhanced customer satisfaction and globalisation of brands.





References:
[1] M. Arifeen, “Bright Prospect for Fashion and Apparel Industry in South Asia.” 2017.
[2] S. Iqbal, Z. A. Bhatti, and M. N. Khan, “Assessing e-service quality of B2C sites: a proposed framework,” Int. J. Inf. Technol., pp. 1–12, 2018.
[3] S. Gill, “A review of research and innovation in garment sizing, prototyping and fitting,” Text. Prog., vol. 47, no. 1, pp. 1–85, 2015.
[4] T. L. Lewis and S. Loker, “Trying on the Future: Exploring Apparel Retail Employees’ Perspectives on Advanced In-Store Technologies,” Fash. Pract., vol. 9, no. 1, pp. 95–119, 2017.
[5] M. Januszkiewicz, C. J. Parker, S. G. Hayes, and S. Gill, “Online virtual fit is not yet fit for purpose : An analysis of fashion e-commerce interfaces An Analysis Of Fashion e-Commerce Interfaces,” 2017.
[6] M. Beck and D. Crié, “I virtually try it … I want it ! Virtual Fitting Room : A tool to increase on-line and o ff -line exploratory behavior , patronage and purchase intentions ☆,” J. Retail. Consum. Serv., vol. 40, no. July 2016, pp. 279–286, 2018.
[7] M. Ernst, M. Boehm, U. Detering-koll, and D. Windvogel, “Rapid Body Scanning Technology for a Virtual Mass Customization Process in Garment Industry,” pp. 159–169, 2016.
[8] A. Clarke-Sather and K. Cobb, “Onshoring fashion: Worker sustainability impacts of global and local apparel production,” J. Clean. Prod., vol. 208, pp. 1206–1218, 2019.
[9] I. ul Haq and A. M. Farooq, “TryOn: An Augmented Reality Fitting Room,” in Mobile Devices and Smart Gadgets in Human Rights, IGI Global, 2019, pp. 98–131.
[10] M. Afreen and P. Haq, “Differences in Girth Measurement of BMI Based and Locally Avaliable Categories of Shirt Sizes,” Nurture, vol. 11, no. 1, pp. 1–7, 2017.
[11] I. Pachoulakis and K. Kapetanakis, “Augmented reality platforms for virtual fitting rooms,” Int. J. Multimed. Its Appl., vol. 4, no. 4, p. 35, 2012.
[12] M Wagner, “Dynamic product imagery shrinks the gap between the online and offline shopping experience.Internet Retailer.” 2007.
[13] Y.-L. Lin and M.-J. J. Wang, “The development of a clothing fit evaluation system under virtual environment,” Multimed. Tools Appl., vol. 75, no. 13, pp. 7575–7587, 2016.
[14] A. M. Fiore, H. Jin, and J. Kim, “For fun and profit: Hedonic value from image interactivity and responses toward an online store,” Psychol. Mark., vol. 22, no. 8, pp. 669–694, 2005.
[15] H.-H. Lee, J. Kim, and A. M. Fiore, “Affective and cognitive online shopping experience: Effects of image interactivity technology and experimenting with appearance,” Cloth. Text. Res. J., vol. 28, no. 2, pp. 140–154, 2010.
[16] S. Miell, S. Gill, D. Vazquez, S. Miell, and S. Gill, “Enabling the digital fashion consumer through fit and sizing technology technology,” J. Glob. Fash. Mark., vol. 2685, pp. 1–15, 2018.
[17] A. Darwish, “The Impact of the New Web 2 . 0 Technologies in Communication , Development , and Revolutions of Societies,” vol. 2, no. 4, pp. 204–216, 2011.
[18] L. Khakimdjanova and J. Park, “Online visual merchandising practice of apparel e-merchants,” J. Retail. Consum. Serv., vol. 12, no. 5, pp. 307–318, 2005.
[19] M. Kim and S. Lennon, “The effects of visual and verbal information on attitudes and purchase intentions in internet shopping,” Psychol. Mark., vol. 25, no. 2, pp. 146–178, 2008.
[20] S. S. Song and M. Kim, “Does more mean better? An examination of visual product presentation in e-retailing,” 2012.
[21] H. McCormick and C. Livett, “Analysing the influence of the presentation of fashion garments on young consumers’ online behaviour,” J. Fash. Mark. Manag. An Int. J., vol. 16, no. 1, pp. 21–41, 2012.
[22] J. Peck and T. L. Childers, “Individual differences in haptic information processing: The ‘need for touch’ scale,” J. Consum. Res., vol. 30, no. 3, pp. 430–442, 2003.
[23] E. J. Park, E. Y. Kim, V. M. Funches, and W. Foxx, “Apparel product attributes, web browsing, and e-impulse buying on shopping websites,” J. Bus. Res., vol. 65, no. 11, pp. 1583–1589, 2012.
[24] T.-L. Huang and S. Liao, “A model of acceptance of augmented-reality interactive technology: the moderating role of cognitive innovativeness,” Electron. Commer. Res., vol. 15, no. 2, pp. 269–295, 2015.
[25] J. Kim and S. Forsythe, “Factors affecting adoption of product virtualization technology for online consumer electronics shopping,” Int. J. Retail Distrib. Manag., vol. 38, no. 3, pp. 190–204, 2010.
[26] L. R. Klein, “Creating virtual product experiences: The role of telepresence,” J. Interact. Mark., vol. 17, no. 1, pp. 41–55, 2003.
[27] Y. Ha and S. J. Lennon, “Online visual merchandising (VMD) cues and consumer pleasure and arousal: Purchasing versus browsing situation,” Psychol. Mark., vol. 27, no. 2, pp. 141–165, 2010.
[28] A. Merle, S. Senecal, and A. St-Onge, “Whether and how virtual try-on influences consumer responses to an apparel web site,” Int. J. Electron. Commer., vol. 16, no. 3, pp. 41–64, 2012.
[29] A.-S. Cases, “Perceived risk and risk-reduction strategies in Internet shopping,” Int. Rev. Retail. Distrib. Consum. Res., vol. 12, no. 4, pp. 375–394, 2002.
[30] H. Li, T. Daugherty, and F. Biocca, “Characteristics of virtual experience in electronic commerce: A protocol analysis,” J. Interact. Mark., vol. 15, no. 3, pp. 13–30, 2001.
[31] J. Park, Y. Nam, K. Choi, Y. Lee, and K.-H. Lee, “Apparel consumers’ body type and their shopping characteristics,” J. Fash. Mark. Manag. An Int. J., vol. 13, no. 3, pp. 372–393, 2009.
[32] V. Magrath and H. Mccormick, “Marketing design elements of mobile fashion retail apps,” vol. 17, no. 1, pp. 115–134, 2013.
[33] R. Ashman and D. Vazquez, “Simulating attachment to pure-play fashion retailers,” Int. J. Retail Distrib. Manag., vol. 40, no. 12, pp. 975–996, 2012.
[34] F. Kawaf and S. Tagg, “The construction of online shopping experience: A repertory grid approach,” Comput. Human Behav., vol. 72, pp. 222–232, 2017.
[35] L. I. Labrecque, J. vor dem Esche, C. Mathwick, T. P. Novak, and C. F. Hofacker, “Consumer power: Evolution in the digital age,” J. Interact. Mark., vol. 27, no. 4, pp. 257–269, 2013.
[36] D. Vogiatzis, D. Pierrakos, G. Paliouras, S. Jenkyn-jones, and B. J. H. H. A. Possen, “Expert Systems with Applications Expert and community based style advice,” Expert Syst. Appl., vol. 39, no. 12, pp. 10647–10655, 2012.
[37] D. Baier and E. Stüber, “Acceptance of recommendations to buy in online retailing,” J. Retail. Consum. Serv., vol. 17, no. 3, pp. 173–180, 2010.
[38] A. Benlian, R. Titah, and T. Hess, “Differential effects of provider recommendations and consumer reviews in e-commerce transactions: An experimental study,” J. Manag. Inf. Syst., vol. 29, no. 1, pp. 237–272, 2012.
[39] C. Wang and P. Zhang, “The evolution of social commerce: The people, management, technology, and information dimensions,” Commun. Assoc. Inf. Syst., vol. 31, no. 1, p. 5, 2012.
[40] K.-L. Hsiao, J. Chuan-Chuan Lin, X.-Y. Wang, H.-P. Lu, and H. Yu, “Antecedents and consequences of trust in online product recommendations: An empirical study in social shopping,” Online Inf. Rev., vol. 34, no. 6, pp. 935–953, 2010.
[41] A. M. Fiore and H. J. Jin, “Influence of image interactivity on approach responses towards an online retailer,” Internet Res., vol. 13, no. 1, pp. 38–48, 2003.
[42] J. Rowley, “Online branding strategies of UK fashion retailers,” vol. 2000, 2009.
[43] M. Titton, “Fashionable Personae : Self-identity and Enactments of Fashion Narratives in Fashion Blogs,” vol. 7419, 2015.
[44] A. M. Kaplan and M. Haenlein, “Users of the world , unite ! The challenges and opportunities of Social Media,” 2010.
[45] L. Auinger, A., Wetzlinger, W. and Schwarz, “HCI in business, government, and organizations: Information systems.,” in 4th International Conference HCIBGO 2017, 2016, pp. 365–376.
[46] B. R. D. Morris, “Implications for Online Learning,” vol. 55, no. 1, 2011.
[47] S. Lu, M. Dong, and F. Fotouhi, “The Semantic Web: opportunities and challenges for next-generation Web applications,” Inf. Res., vol. 7, no. 4, pp. 4–7, 2002.
[48] A. Davis, J. D. Murphy, D. Owens, J. Murphy, and D. Owens, “Avatars , People , and Virtual Worlds : Foundations for Research in Metaverses,” 2009.
[49] F. Zhou, H. B. Duh, and M. Billinghurst, “Trends in Augmented Reality Tracking , Interaction and Display : A Review of Ten Years of ISMAR,” pp. 193–202, 2008.
[50] T. Huang, “Formation of augmented-reality interactive technology ’ s persuasive effects from the perspective of experiential value,” pp. 82–109, 2014.
[51] A. Javornik, “Augmented reality: Research agenda for studying the impact of its media characteristics on consumer behaviour,” J. Retail. Consum. Serv., vol. 30, pp. 252–261, 2016.
[52] T. Verhagen, C. Vonkeman, F. Feldberg, and P. Verhagen, “Present it like it is here: Creating local presence to improve online product experiences,” Comput. Human Behav., vol. 39, pp. 270–280, 2014.
[53] J. Steuer, “Defining Virtual Reality : Dimensions Determining Telepresence,” vol. 42, no. 4, 1992.
[54] A. Vrechopoulos, K. Apostolou, and V. Koutsiouris, “Virtual reality retailing on the web: emerging consumer behavioural patterns,” Int. Rev. Retail. Distrib. Consum. Res., vol. 19, no. 5, pp. 469–482, 2009.
[55] M. J. Bitner, “Servicescapes: The impact of physical surroundings on customers and employees,” J. Mark., vol. 56, no. 2, pp. 57–71, 1992.
[56] J. Kim and S. Forsythe, “Adoption of Virtual Try-on technology for online apparel shopping,” vol. 22, no. 2, pp. 45–59, 2008.
[57] S. I. Shim and Y. Lee, “Consumer’s perceived risk reduction by 3D virtual model,” Int. J. Retail Distrib. Manag., vol. 39, no. 12, pp. 945–959, 2011.
[58] J. Kim and S. Forsythe, “Hedonic usage of product virtualization technologies in online apparel shopping,” Int. J. Retail Distrib. Manag., vol. 35, no. 6, pp. 502–514, 2007.
[59] A. M. Fiore, J. Kim, and H.-H. Lee, “Effect of image interactivity technology on consumer responses toward the online retailer,” J. Interact. Mark., vol. 19, no. 3, pp. 38–53, 2005.
[60] H.-H. Lee, A. M. Fiore, and J. Kim, “The role of the technology acceptance model in explaining effects of image interactivity technology on consumer responses,” Int. J. Retail Distrib. Manag., vol. 34, no. 8, pp. 621–644, 2006.
[61] J. Kim and S. Forsythe, “Adoption of virtual try-on technology for online apparel shopping,” vol. 22, no. 2, pp. 45–59, 2008.
[62] M. Beck and D. Crié, “I virtually try it … I want it ! Virtual Fitting Room : A tool to increase on-line and o ff -line exploratory behavior , patronage and purchase intentions ☆,” J. Retail. Consum. Serv., vol. 40, no. October 2016, pp. 279–286, 2018.
[63] Inition, “Virtual reality catwalk show for Topshop.,” 2014. (Online). Available: https://www.inition.co.uk/case_study/virtual-reality-catwalk-show-topshop/.
[64] S. Loker, L. Cowie, S. Ashdown, and V. D. Lewis, “Female consumers’ reactions to body scanning,” Cloth. Text. Res. J., vol. 22, no. 4, pp. 151–160, 2004.
[65] “Size Stream,” 2019. (Online). Available: http://sizestream.com/. (Accessed: 11-Dec-2019).
[66] P. R. Apeagyei, “Application of 3D body scanning technology to human measurement for clothing fit,” Int. J. Digit. Content Technol. its Appl., vol. 4, no. 7, pp. 58–68, 2010.
[67] N. Zhong, “Toward web intelligence,” in International Atlantic Web Intelligence Conference, 2003, pp. 1–14.
[68] G. Hatzivasilis et al., “The Interoperability of Things: Interoperable solutions as an enabler for IoT and Web 3.0,” in 2018 IEEE 23rd International Workshop on Computer Aided Modeling and Design of Communication Links and Networks (CAMAD), 2018, pp. 1–7.
[69] H. Park and H. Cho, “Social network online communities: information sources for apparel shopping,” J. Consum. Mark., vol. 29, no. 6, pp. 400–411, 2012.
[70] A. Perry, “Consumers’ acceptance of smart virtual closets,” J. Retail. Consum. Serv., vol. 33, pp. 171–177, 2016.
[71] “Dressipi,” 2019. (Online). Available: https://dressipi.com/. (Accessed: 11-Dec-2019).
[72] “Try Tuesday,” 2019. (Online). Available: https://trytuesday.com/. (Accessed: 11-Dec-2019).
[73] “Belcurves,” 2019. (Online). Available: http://belcurves.com/index.php?lang=en,. (Accessed: 11-Dec-2019).
[74] T. L. Powers and E. P. Jack, “The Influence of Cognitive Dissonance on Retail Product Returns,” vol. 30, no. August, pp. 724–735, 2013.
[75] D. Vogiatzis, D. Pierrakos, G. Paliouras, S. Jenkyn-Jones, and B. Possen, “Expert and community based style advice,” Expert Syst. Appl., vol. 39, no. 12, pp. 10647–10655, 2012.
[76] D. Grewal, A. L. Roggeveen, and J. Nordfält, “The Future of Retailing ଝ,” J. Retail., vol. 93, no. 1, pp. 1–6, 2017.
[77] S. J. Russell and P. Norvig, Artificial intelligence: a modern approach. Malaysia; Pearson Education Limited, 2016.
[78] Mintel, “The future of fashion is visual search,” 2017. (Online). Available: http://academic.mintel.com/display/849953/.
[79] Mintel, “Fashion Technology and Innovation - UK,” 2017. (Online). Available: http://academic.mintel.com/display/849677/?highlight#hit1 .
[80] M. Andrews, J. Goehring, S. Hui, J. Pancras, and L. Thornswood, “Mobile promotions: A framework and research priorities,” J. Interact. Mark., vol. 34, pp. 15–24, 2016.
[81] B. Heater, “Amazon’s new Echo Look has a built-in camera for style selfies,” 2017. (Online). Available: https://techcrunch.com/2017/04/26/amazons-new-echo-look-has-a-built-in-camera-for-style-selfies/.
[82] “Sapphire,” 2019. (Online). Available: https://pk.sapphireonline.pk/. (Accessed: 11-Dec-2019).
[83] “Nishat,” 2019. (Online). Available: https://nishatlinen.com/. (Accessed: 11-Dec-2019).
[84] “Khaddi,” 2019. (Online). Available: https://uk.khaadi.com/. (Accessed: 11-Dec-2019).
[85] “alkaramstudio,” 2019. (Online). Available: https://www.alkaramstudio.com/. (Accessed: 11-Dec-2019).
[86] “Bareeze’,” 2019. (Online). Available: https://www.bareeze.com/. (Accessed: 11-Dec-2019).
[87] “HSY Studio,” 2019. (Online). Available: https://www.theworldofhsy.com/. (Accessed: 11-Dec-2019).
[88] “Chen One,” 2019. (Online). Available: https://www.chenone.com/. (Accessed: 11-Dec-2019).
[89] “Gul Ahmed,” 2019. (Online). Available: https://www.gulahmedshop.com/. (Accessed: 11-Dec-2019).
[90] “Junaid Jamshed,” 2019. (Online). Available: https://www.junaidjamshed.com/. (Accessed: 11-Dec-2019).
[91] “Secret Closet,” 2019. (Online). Available: https://www.secretcloset.pk/blog/. (Accessed: 11-Dec-2019).
[92] z “Fit Analytics,” 2019. (Online). Available: https://www.fitanalytics.com/. (Accessed: 11-Dec-2019).
[93] “Fitbay,” 2017. (Online). Available: https://fitbay.com.cutestat.com/. (Accessed: 11-Dec-2019).
[94] Huffpost, “MeAlity, virtual fitting room, gives full body scans to mall shoppers,” 2012. (Online). Available: https://www.huffpost.com/entry/meality-kiosk-booth-mybestfit-body-scan_n_1464782,. (Accessed: 11-Dec-2019).
[95] “True Fit,” 2019. (Online). Available: https://www.truefit.com/en/Home. Accessed: 11-Dec-2019).
[96] “Fit Predictor,” 2019. (Online). Available: http://www.secretsaucepartners.com/fitpredictor. (Accessed: 11-Dec-2019).
[97] “Fitfyle,” 2019. (Online). Available: http://styku.com/business/. (Accessed: 11-Dec-2019).
[98] “Fits.Me,” 2018. (Online). Available: https://fits.me/. (Accessed: 11-Dec-2019).
[99] “VirtualOutfits,” 2019. (Online). Available: https://www.virtualoutfits.com/. (Accessed: 11-Dec-2019).
[100] “Virtusize,” 2019. (Online). Available: http://www.virtusize.com/site/. (Accessed: 08-Dec-2019).
[101] “Glamstorm,” 2019. (Online). Available: http://glamstorm.com/en,. (Accessed: 11-Dec-2019).
[102] “Metail,” 2019. (Online). Available: https://metail.com/. (Accessed: 11-Dec-2019).
[103] “My Virtual Model,” 2019. (Online). Available: http://myvirtualmodel.com/. (Accessed: 10-Dec-2019).
[104] “Qvit,” 2019. (Online). Available: QVit.com. (Accessed: 09-Dec-2019).
[105] J. Cusumano, “App to download: Virtual fitting room fashion app, Stylewhile,” 2013. (Online). Available: https://www.instyle.com/news/app-download-virtual-fitting-room-fashion-app-stylewhile. (Accessed: 11-Dec-2019).
[106] S. Kollinger, “Zara is changing How we shop through Augmented Reality,” 2018. (Online). Available: https://www.refinery29.com/en-gb/2018/04/196400/zara-augmented-reality-app. (Accessed: 11-Dec-2019).
[107] R. T. N. Charged, “Speedo launches AR app so you can virtually try on googgles.” 2019.
[108] Saqif Abdullah, “Topshop 360° Virtual Reality Catwalk Show,” 2019.
[109] “Amazon,” 2019. (Online). Available: https://www.amazon.co.uk/b?ie=UTF8&node=14100223031. (Accessed: 08-Dec-2019).