Farfetch users can now shop snapshots with new app feature

By

Gabriella Lacombe

Published
Dec 8, 2018

Farfetch has partnered with Syte, the Tel Aviv visual AI startup, for a new in-app visual search feature on iOS.

 
To use the “see it, snap it, shop it” feature, shoppers first use their phone's camera to take a photo of clothes, accessories, footwear or other similar products that they see while out and about. The app can process screenshots too, so shoppers can also use images they've found online.

Users then upload the photo to the app, which will analyze and match the spotted style with either the exact item or similar pieces available on Farfetch's online platform for users to browse and buy.

In a press release, representatives from Syte said building the app for supreme accuracy was crucial for boosting the Farfetch app's popularity and building user loyalty.

“If a user uploads their first image and finds exactly what they are looking for along with a selection of other similar items, they are immediately aware of the value and become loyal users of visual search," said Ofer Fryman, Syte’s co-founder and CEO, in a release. "Technology like this has the potential to improve experience exponentially.”

Syte dubbed the development the "the future of retail,"gesturing to a time when technology will play a key role between customers looking for a seamless shopping experience and retailers who use data to understand their customers. 

“By implementing the visual search feature we want to offer customers more options for enhanced fashion discovery across all our touch points," said Sara Wood, Farfetch's vice president of Product. "Visual search is the ultimate connection between on and offline inspiration. By allowing our customers to show us what they are interested in we gain a deeper understanding of their needs.”

The new feature is available now on the Farfetch iOS app.