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Virtual try-on (VTO) technology offers an opportunity for fashion and beauty brands to provide enriched self-explorative experiences. The increased popularity of VTOs makes it urgent to understand the drivers and consequences of the exploration of styles in VTO contexts (herein called self-explorative engagement). Notably, little is known about the antecedent and outcomes of the personalized self-explorative experience central to VTOs. This paper aims to fill this knowledge gap.

An online quasi-experiment (N = 500) was conducted in the context of fashion and beauty VTOs. Participants were asked to virtually try on sunglasses or lipsticks and subsequently answer a questionnaire measuring the key constructs: self-presence (i.e. physical similarity and identification), self-explorative engagement (i.e. exploration of styles in VTO context), brand cognitive processing and brand attitude. The authors analyze the data with structural equation modeling via maximum likelihood estimation in LISREL.

The experience of self-presence during consumers’ use of VTOs in augmented reality environments has a positive effect on self-explorative engagement. Furthermore, a mediation analysis reveals that self-explorative engagement improves brand attitude via brand cognitive processing. The results are confirmed for two popular fashion and beauty brands.

Grounded in extended self theory, to the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study to show that a realistic VTO experience encourages self-extension via a process starting from the exploration of styles and results in increased brand cognitive processing and more positive brand attitudes. The exploration of styles is enabled by self-presence.

Virtual try-on (VTO) technology with three-dimensional (3D) body scanning in a mobile application is a relatively new technique for selling custom-fit apparel. VTO involves scanning and measuring one's body and visualizing the fit of a garment on a 3D avatar. The purpose of this study is to explore consumers' experiences toward the custom-fit T-shirts and online mass customization (MC) services using the VTO technology found in online consumer reviews (OCRs).

A total of 297 OCRs were collected from the Amazon's Made for You site that uses VTO technology for the MC process. A qualitative content analysis, within a mixed method research process, was used to determine systematically the meanings within qualitative data with quantitative results. In the qualitative approach, combinations of two coding processes were employed, which were concept-driven (i.e., deductive/a priori) and data-driven (i.e., inductive/emergent) coding processes. In the quantitative approach, the prevalence of each coding in terms of its valence was calculated based on frequencies. Intercoder reliability reached 96 per cent.

In OCRs of customized apparel products and online MC services using VTO technology, consumers described expectations, perceived performance, dis/confirmation, dis/satisfaction, outcomes of dis/satisfaction and descriptive information. Those with expectations often expressed skepticism about the product and the MC process using VTO technology at the pre-consumption stage. In OCRs, they used four product dimensions and two service dimensions of perceived performance. Consumers had positive (negative) confirmation when the performance of the T-shirts and/or services worked better (worse) than their expectations. The OCRs also included dis/satisfaction with a product and/or service, its outcomes and descriptive information.

This study identified a resulting framework to identify the content in OCRs of the custom-fit T-shirts and online MC services that use VTO technology. This study extends the expectation confirmation theory by adding multiple dimensions (i.e., four product dimensions and two service dimensions) as well as more outcomes of dis/satisfaction (not limited to repurchase intentions). This study provides practical suggestions for online MC companies who are using or planning to use VTO technology on how to improve consumers' satisfaction with customized T-shirts using VTO technology.

In this chapter, the discussion begins with an exploration of the first ‘C’ in the 3C Model of Taoism: compassion. The author connects the virtue of compassion with the modern concept of social responsibility, one of the three key pillars of responsible management. The chapter concentrates on the role of compassion in management. The notion of compassion in management emphasizes a commitment to cultivating positive change for customers, employees, and the broader community. This encompasses practices such as offering fair wages and benefits, establishing a secure and healthy work environment and supporting local charities and initiatives. Management that embodies compassion aim to be socially responsible and can generate a positive impact within the communities. Managers recognize the significance of treating individuals equitably and with respect and are prepared to devote time and resources to their corporate mission. By integrating compassion into their business practices, organizations can nurture trust and loyalty among customers, employees and stakeholders. Furthermore, compassionate management may experience heightened brand loyalty and financial success as a result of their ethical approach.

The purpose of this study is to clarify the role of various levels of modality richness [text-visual, audiovisual and augmented reality interactive technology (ARIT)] on vivid memories (visual sensory detailed, emotionally intense, first-person perspective and coherent) and exploratory behavior. To clarify which modality richness online retailers use is more appropriate to create a virtual reality simulation experience to fill a significant gap in the sensory interactive marketing paradigm.

A task-based laboratory study was conducted to provide users with private try-on space. A total of 429 valid questionnaires were collected, and partial least squares path modeling was adopted to test hypotheses.

The results indicate that various levels of modality richness (text-visual, audiovisual and ARIT) positively affect vivid memories (visual sensory detailed, emotionally intense, first-person perspective and coherent), and vivid memories successfully induce exploratory behavior.

The study results could also help retailers and brands with clear guidance in designing and creating simulation experience services and choosing the best way to present products. With the results of this research, retailers will also be able to grasp better the critical points of introducing innovative technology into the service experience and then create the benefits of digital economic growth.

Exploring which digital interactive technology online retailers use is more appropriate to create a virtual reality shopping experience to fill a significant gap in the sensory interactive marketing paradigm. Exploring the antecedents of vivid memories in a digital sensory interactive experience contributes to the body schema literature and the script theory. We draw from construal level theory (CLT) to clarify the impact of various levels of modality richness on driving the difference in sensory simulation schema to break through the limited findings of previous studies, namely using CLT to interpret psychological distance.

This paper aims to propose a conceptual model to examine the effect of an augmented reality (AR)–based product display (vs a picture-based product display) on interactivity, vividness, website quality and consumer responses. In addition, the moderating role of the need for touch (NFT) in the effect of AR on media features is identified.

Hypotheses are tested using a one-factor between-subjects design for both a student sample (Study 1, N = 120) and a nonstudent sample (Study 2, N = 272). Data are analyzed using a series of analyses of variance, multivariate analyses of covariance and structural equation modeling.

Study 1 shows that an AR-based product display generates greater website quality, interactivity and vividness than a picture-based product display. Moreover, an AR-based product display improves interactivity and vividness only for high-NFT consumers; however, no significant difference emerged for low-NFT consumers. Study 2 replicates and extends our findings by identifying the specific processes that consumers go through when evaluating a website.

The current research advances the understanding of how product presentation technologies can attract customers with different haptic orientations and provides practical implications for online retailers interested in improving their customers' e-commerce experience.

This paper aims to explore ChatGPT’s (generative pre-trained transformers) potential as a tool for retailers to improve customer experience and boost sales. While it provides benefits like personalized recommendations and 24/7 assistance, there are limitations, like difficulty in understanding unconventional language. The paper stresses careful integration to overcome these limitations and create a better customer experience. Additionally, it discusses the potential for further development and integration of ChatGPT in retail, such as generating product descriptions and virtual try-on experiences. Finally, the paper encourages retailers to embrace ChatGPT to meet their customer needs.

Case-based methodology involves using specific cases or examples to explore a broader issue or phenomenon. Researchers have analysed real-world cases to identify patterns, themes and insights that can be applied to other contexts or situations. This was useful for understanding complex and multifaceted issues as it allowed us to delve deeper into specific examples and explore the nuances of the situation.

While ChatGPT is a powerful tool for retailers, limitations such as difficulty in understanding non-standard accents and unconventional language can arise, causing customer frustration. Retail managers must integrate ChatGPT in a way that enhances customer experience. In the future, ChatGPT has the potential to generate product descriptions, provide virtual try-on experiences and integrate with augmented or virtual reality technology to offer more immersive experiences. Careful consideration and integration can help retailers overcome these limitations and offer personalized recommendations, round-the-clock assistance and an engaging customer experience that improves sales.

The case topic is very much in a novel stage of research and writing.

To gain a deeper understanding of the determinants impacting the intention of Chinese young consumers to utilize virtual try-on apps (VTOs), this study adopts a modified version of the electronic technology acceptance model (e-TAM). The primary objective is to investigate how consumers' characteristics influence their post-use feelings, subsequently affecting their attitude towards VTOs and their intention to use them. Additionally, this research aims to explore potential gender differences within this process.

In this study, a sample of 243 college students from a university in China was recruited to participate in on-site software use. A total of 227 valid questionnaires were collected and used for data analysis. Structural equation modeling (SEM) was employed to empirically evaluate the data and test the research hypotheses. Additionally, multiple group comparisons were conducted based on gender to examine potential differences in the acceptance process.

The findings of this study reveal a significant association between users' individual characteristics and post-use feelings. Moreover, there are notable differences between male and female students in terms of their perceptions of innovativeness, knowledge and understanding regarding post-use feelings. Notably, four variables within post-use feelings, except for perceived compatibility, are found to be predictive of attitude towards VTOs. Additionally, it is observed that attitude towards VTOs directly influences users' intention to utilize them.

This study contributes to the research on consumers' intention to use VTOs by examining the antecedents of post-use feelings, specifically four consumers’ individual characteristics. The findings of this study offer managerial insights for professionals to formulate marketing positioning and communication strategies.

Body shape is a critical variable influencing consumers' garment choices (Zakaria, 2017), yet research investigating how UK females with varying body shapes evaluate and experience fit is limited. Moreover, while digital methods exist to classify female body shapes, application in a commercial setting is limited. To fill this gap within the literature, this study aims to understand the influence of body shape variation on garment fit evaluations of 30 UK females aged 18–34 years.

This study conducts a physical garment try-on session whereby 30 UK females aged 18–34 years were body-scanned and categorised into a body shape, using the Female Figure Identification Technique method. Participants verbalised their fit experiences during a physical try-on session through semi-structured interviews to gain a deeper understanding of individuals' fit appraisals.

The findings demonstrate that UK females who share the same body shape classification experience the same issues when appraising dress fit, challenging Makhanya and Mabuza (2020) who found that body shape does not influence apparel fit satisfaction. The results shed light on the importance of body shape during the fit appraisal process.

Despite the contribution, future research to improve the limitations should be addressed. First, although it was necessary to investigate a UK demographic to address research gaps, the finding of this study cannot be generalised to the entire UK female population nor to other areas of the world. Hence, future research should overcome this limitation by extending this study further to other countries, cultures and ethnicities.

The findings of the present study shed light on the role of body shape in determining satisfactory clothing fit and how females' fit experiences will differ depending on their body shape classification. Thus, fashion retailers should use this insight to better inform their promotional strategies, not only making them more inclusive but also to help assist this particular consumer segment with their clothing decisions based on their body shape.

The present study provides an in-depth understanding of how females with the same body shape experience garment fit, contributing novel findings to the literature through a mixed-method inquiry previously lacking in this area, with a UK demographic which has not previously been explored.

The purpose of this study is to investigate the influence of augmented reality (AR) media characteristics on consumers’ purchase intention (PI) for fashion goods within the fashion industry context.

This study establishes five independent variables of salient AR media characteristics derived from existing studies which includes interactivity, vividness, augmentation, simulated physical control and environmental embedding. A quantitative online survey method is conducted with a sample of 172 respondents.

The findings suggest that all five AR media characteristics have a positive and significant influence on consumers’ PI for fashion goods. Among these five characteristics, interactivity and simulated physical control have the strongest positive impact on PI, followed by vividness, environmental embedding and augmentation.

This study provides valuable insights for fashion brands to better understand the media characteristics that consumers may be looking out for in AR experiences that could have an influence on their PI for fashion goods. This study also contributes to the literature by identifying the most influential AR media characteristics in the context of the fashion industry.

Today's marketing is dominated by decision-making based on artificial intelligence and machine learning. This study focuses on one semi- and unsupervised machine learning technique, generative adversarial networks (GANs). GANs are a type of deep learning architecture capable of generating new data similar to the training data that were used to train it, and thus, it is designed to learn a generative model that can produce new samples. GANs have been used in multiple marketing areas, especially in creating images and video and providing customized consumer contents. Through providing a holistic picture of GANs, including its advantage, disadvantage, ethical considerations, and its current application, the study attempts to provide business some strategical orientations, including formulating strong marketing positioning, creating consumer lifetime values, and delivering desired marketing tactics in product, promotion, pricing, and distribution channel. Through using GANs, marketers will create unique experiences for consumers, build strategic focus, and gain competitive advantages. This study is an original endeavor in discussing GANs in marketing, offering fresh insights in this research topic.