Japanese virtual sizing technology specialist Makip launches in the UK with focus on ‘returns crisis’

Japanese firm Makip says it is aiming to slash returns rates for UK retailers by helping customers get the right sized items every time they shop online. 

It claims that its Unisize technology can deliver a reduction in clothing return rates of 20% on average.

Founded in 2015, the Tokyo-based company works with over 250 online retail/e-commerce sites and Japanese fashion brands.

And now it is entering the UK market.

Shingo Tsukamoto, President at Makip, says: “What UK retailers and customers need, is virtual sizing technology that recognises unique body size requirements.”

“UK retail e-commerce is going through a returns crisis. Customers often order several different sizes of the same item because they assume that retailers won't be able to provide the right fit for them – as a result, UK retailers are spending millions of pounds in returns and refunds, and customers are left to explore other options.” 

Tsukamoto adds: “Even though sizing technology has become increasingly sophisticated and widespread throughout the e-commerce world, the age old problem still exists – you cannot have a standard size, when there’s no such thing as a standard body.”

With Unisize, online shoppers are asked basic questions such as age, weight and height to understand the measurements of their body, allowing the technology to map the individual’s body size to the clothing item, and then display how the clothes will fit the unique body size of the shopper.

Tsukamoto comments: “Customers can't accurately 'try on' clothes when shopping online right now. What we do is work out the body measurements for each and every customer, no matter what their body type or shape.”

“We then accurately display the item of clothing in comparison to the individual body size of the customer. This highly accurate and visual representation of how clothing items fit the online shopper reduces the likelihood of returns while keeping them coming back for more.” 

“We are looking forward to supporting UK e-commerce fashion retailers and brands in solving the problem of incorrect sizing, reducing returns and providing customers with the right size, first time.”