Debenhams signs with be Retail Social virtual try on platform for fashion and beauty brands

be Retail Social, a virtual fitting room and try on platform for fashion, sportswear and beauty, has entered into an agreement with Debenhams.  

Debenhams will be using the platform firstly in its beauty products, before extending to cover its various fashion and clothing brands.   

Daniel Finley, CEO at Debenhams, says: “We are always looking for ways to provide a differentiated and enhanced customer experience, giving users more engaging and personalised ways to consider our range of products and make more informed purchasing decisions.”

“We were impressed with the team at be Retail Social - their knowledge of issues and missed opportunities in the sector, and how they have solved these with their platform to benefit both customers and us, our brands. It’s quite remarkable what we can now deliver through them as a partner.”

“We love innovation and think the use of moving, personalised human avatars with social influence is a real step forward in the virtual try-on space for beauty and fashion and already seeing tangible benefits.” 

Simon Iddon, Founder and CEO at be Retail Social said, says: “We first engaged with Debenhams around our virtual fitting room platform for fashion and sportswear, however, they quickly saw an opportunity that aligned with their beauty initiatives.”

“With minimal effort, the team had the platform agnostic integration in place and delivering on the first sets of experiments, providing the ability to promote customisation and showcase Debenhams’ full range effortlessly to customers.”

“There has been great progress for which we are very proud and look forward together with Dan’s team to expanding the use of our virtual fitting room services with Debenhams’ vast range products. We are all really pleased with the results and that Debenhams are being retail social.”  

2025 RTIH INNOVATION AWARDS

Virtual try on experiences will be a key focus area at the 2025 RTIH Innovation Awards.

The awards, which are now open for entries, celebrate global tech innovation in a fast moving omnichannel world.

Our 2024 hall of fame entrants were revealed during an event which took place at RIBA’s 66 Portland Place HQ in Central London on 21st November, and consisted of a drinks reception, three course meal, and awards ceremony presided over by comedian Lucy Porter.

In his welcome speech, Scott Thompson, Founder and Editor, RTIH, said: “The event is now into its sixth year and what a journey it has been. The awards started life as an online only affair during the Covid outbreak, before launching as a small scale in real life event and growing year on year to the point where we’re now selling out this fine, historic venue.”

He added: “Congratulations to all of our finalists. Many submissions did not make it through to the final stage, and getting to this point is no mean feat. Checkout-free stores, automated supply chains, immersive experiences, on-demand delivery, next generation loyalty offerings, inclusive retail, green technology. We’ve got all the cool stuff covered this evening.”

“But just importantly we’ve got lots of great examples of companies taking innovative tech and making it usable in everyday operations - resulting in more efficiency and profitability in all areas.”

Congratulations to our 2024 winners, and a big thank you to our sponsors, judging panel, the legend that is Lucy Porter, and all those who attended November's gathering. 

For further information on the 2025 RTIH Innovation Awards, please fill in the below form and we will get back to you asap.