Body scanners help shoppers get better fit

A California mall has installed body scanners to help shoppers find clothes that fit better and minimize returns, officials say. The sizing machines match customers with correct sizes in brands including Eddie Bauer, American Eagle Outfitters, Talbots and True Religion, the Los Angeles Times reported Friday. Then, shoppers are given a printout of specific styles to buy, where to buy them and how much each item will cost. "It's great because it streamlines the shopping process and allows people to shop more efficiently and faster, and ultimately visit more stores," said Sarah Richardson, director of marketing at Westfield Culver City. "Having that kind of tool takes the guesswork out of shopping." Canadian firm Unique Solutions Design operates size-matching machines in 65 U.S. shopping malls. Each machine costs $60,000 to $100,000 each to manufacture and install, said company Chief Executive Tanya Shaw. Other companies are working on similar technology that can be used by online shoppers in the comfort of their own homes. Sizing software to be used with home motion-sensing devices such as the Microsoft Kinect will allow consumers to scan themselves in their living rooms to find clothes that fit them while shopping online, the report said. "It's disruptive technology that could break open the whole e-commerce apparel space," said Raj Sareen, chief executive and founder of Styku, a Los Angeles-based company that has developed such technology.