otter Shoes has recently launched a new shopping app, which allows users to virtually try on new shoes from the comfort of their own homes with the help of augmented reality technology.
Hotter recruited technology firm WANNA to develop the app in October 2020, as part of the Skelmersdale's company transition into a digital-first retailer. The augmented reality technology, the result of a £120,000 investment, enables customers to try products for fit, colour and design.
It follows a £250,000 investment in its Hotter Footprint technology which delivers a precision fit experience to customers using 3D scanning technology.
The new Hotter’s app uses the same foot scanning technology to give customers the perfect fitting shoes. Customers simply take photos of their feet, which the app’s technology uses to recommend shoe size and width size. Users will be able to see a visual of the fitted shoe.
Hotter’s core customer base is females ages 55+, with a growing 35-55 year demographic.
Hotter is the first UK footwear retailer in this category to launch this AR technology in its app, which is a direct response to the changing consumer demands during and post Coronavirus lockdowns.
Chief Commercial Officer at Hotter, Victoria Betts, said:
"It’s amazing to think people will be able to try shoes on while in the comfort of their own home, ordering straight to their door with the peace of mind that their new shoes will fit well and look great.
"Coupled with the technology now available across all of our stores, we will be offering convenience, precision fitting and high quality service every step of the way. Each of our stores will hold less inventory than before the pandemic as we recognise customers will expect a more experiential service than ever before when shopping on the high street."