Sears.com launches 3D shopping experience

ARMONK, N.Y. Sears has partnered with My Virtual Model to launch a 3D visual search function on the updated Sears site. According to Sears, it is the first retailer to apply both a visual search and virtual model to an entire catalogue online. Sears.com said it plans to go live with visual search in late October.

The Sears site will enable shoppers to search on a specific style -- such as long-sleeve tunic shirts or cropped cargo pants -- and find products from the company's catalogue of clothing, shoes and accessories using 3D images versus words. Shoppers can create countless combinations using a virtual model they can build and personalize to match their measurements -- height, weight, body shape -- and a headshot photo to ensure that the style, color, pattern and fit are right. The 3D angle allows users to view garments on themselves from the front, side and back, and shoppers can also email images of their looks to friends and family to help them make final purchasing decisions.

"Sears is transforming the online shopping experience by offering consumers cutting edge visual search and virtual model capabilities," said Rob Mills, vp of Sears online business unit. "By allowing shoppers to visually search for and view items in 3D, to see how they'll actually look on themselves in various combinations, and virtually share their finds with friends and family, Sears is providing shoppers with a superior social and e-commerce experience that we believe will increase satisfaction and loyalty."