Retailer launches personal stylist service via video

An online retailer that offers upscale men’s suits at ultra-low prices is launching a new service that aims to radically change online shopping.

Combatant Gentleman, a fast-growing startup that Inc. magazine has dubbed “the next Warby Parker,” has added a video chat solution to its website that allows clients to shop alongside a personal stylist. LiveNinja, a video-chat based startup, built a communication platform that allows for the retailer to establish more authentic relationships with customers online.

"We are focused on bridging the gap between the offline and online world," says Will Weinraub, CEO of LiveNinja. "For an online shopper, having the human element is extremely important…we've also found that there are just so many benefits for brands using video chat. Being able to engage with visitors on your site just as you would in-person has tremendous effects on customer loyalty, sales volume, brand perception, the list goes on."

The team at Combatant Gentlemen says it strives to recreate the high-touch retail experience through their website.

"While e-commerce has made great strides to provide a quality customer experience, ultimately there's no substitute for a one-on-one conversation with a knowledgeable expert,” said Weinraub. “We've been offering live chat on our site since early on and it's been really successful for us, so implementing video chat was a natural next step for us."

Online shoppers can chat face-to-face with a stylist now at combatgent.com.

"Education is a huge part of what we do, and we're always looking for new ways to connect with our customers and provide high-touch service in the digital realm,” Weinraub added. “We think LiveNinja is ahead of the curve when it comes to leveraging technology to provide a superior online shopping experience."