A new report by Fuel3D, a provider of 3D capture and measurement solutions, reveals that poor-fitting eyewear costs ECPs and eyewear retailers more than $26 billion a year.
Fuel3D’s study, which looks at the importance of fit on buyer experience in the UK and US, shows that more than one in four adults (28%) struggle to find eyewear that fits and as a result more than half (55%) end up leaving eyewear stores empty-handed. In addition, the study suggests that nearly half of eyewear purchases are returned or have to be adjusted due to poor fit, resulting in further financial loss.
Fuel3D’s “Delivering a Fitted Experience in Eyewear” report is based on an independent online survey of 4,536 adults in the UK and US who wear glasses or eyewear. It’s the largest study of its kind to look at the relationship between fit and buyer experience through the lens of the consumer, according to Fuel3D.
George Thaw, CEO of Fuel3D, said: “Buying eyewear should be easy and fun yet people struggle to find the right fit and don’t enjoy the experience. The eyewear industry is treating every face as the same size and shape, resulting in ill-fitting eyewear which is costing retailers, opticians and brands lost customers and sales. It’s time for a more personalised approach.”
Despite eyewear’s increasing prominence in fashion, when buying glasses or sunglasses, fit is the most important factor. Forty-four percent of respondents said they prioritize fit, while 33% prioritize price and 23% prioritize style.
Fit impacts brand choice and how people shop. The study shows that more than a third (37%) of people always seek out the same styles or brand, yet 88% would happily try something different if they could find the right fit. Two-thirds of people would purchase eyewear more often if they were shown designs that actually fit their face, and 78% would buy their eyewear online instead if they could be guaranteed the perfect fit.
Customers are faced with a bewildering choice of frames, both online and in-store, making it hard to find the perfect fit and style, Fuel3D noted. As a result, one in three adults (33%) don’t like visiting the optician or shopping for eyewear and one in five (20%) don’t like having to try on different frames, highlighting the need to improve the customer experience.
Fuel3D has developed FitsYou, a 3D capture and fitting platform that uses AR and AI to help ECPs and retailers provide a personalized service through best-fit recommendations and fully customized eyewear, in-store and online.
Reflecting today’s “selfie-culture” the study shows that 77% of people are comfortable with the concept of a personal 3D facial scan to deliver a more accurate and better fitting experience.
Karl Turley, chief marketing officer of Fuel3D, said: “People are crying out for a better fit and a better buying experience. FitsYou delivers perfectly measured 3D fitting, personalises the selection of glasses, guarantees the perfect fit, encourages customer loyalty and gives opticians and retailers a compelling competitive advantage in a retail landscape where the new size is custom.”