Scanning system to create 'perfect fit'

Image courtesy of foto76 / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Thateng Shimange, head of womenswear at Woolworths, says, "The best way for us to determine the best fit for our clothing is to measure real people. This kind of survey has not been before for the South African population and it is another way we can 'listen' to our customers and adapt to meet their needs.

"We will be using the same state-of-the-art body scanner used by top global brands such as Levi's, Marks & Spencer and Target."

No personal information - other than gender, age and ethnic group will be collected - so participants are ensured of anonymity. Participants spend about 15 seconds (fully clothed) in the scanning booth, and afterwards are presented with a printout giving them information about their recommended Woolworths clothing sizes.

"Using the data from the survey, we will be reviewing our fits and sizing across womenswear and menswear and will be assisting our suppliers in updating our pattern blocks and fit forms, where required."

Says Alvanon's president, Ed Gribbin, "We have carried out similar surveys in 21 countries to date and are excited to be partnering in this initiative."

The scanning system will be set up in three regional shopping centres during February and March 2014. Scanning will take place at Gateway in KwaZulu-Natal from 19-23 February, at Sandton City in Gauteng from 26 February - 2 March and at Canal Walk in the Western Cape from 5-9 March.

"We invite all South Africans to visit these shopping centres and take part in this survey. The more people that participate, the more data we'll collect to satisfy our customers' future needs," concludes Shimange.