Komodo Fashion leads the way in eco-friendly shopping online sizing technology | Retail Bulletin

FASHION RETAIL NEWS UK

Komodo Fashion, a stalwart in eco-friendly fashion for over 30 years, is furthering its commitment to sustainability by integrating advanced online sizing technology.

Established amidst the Acid-house revolution of the early 1990s and intertwined with pop culture through collaborations with musical legends like Soul II Soul, The Chemical Brothers, and The Spice Girls, Komodo has always been at the cutting edge of both fashion and ethics.

Known for using premium quality organic, natural, and eco fibres, as well as innovative materials such as green PU coating and recycled PET from plastic bottles, Komodo’s products are predominantly vegan and entirely cruelty-free. Their commitment extends to ensuring safe working conditions and fair wages for all workers involved in their supply chain. This deep-rooted ethos, championed by founder Mark Bloom (aka Joe Komodo), is now being enhanced by a partnership with online sizing software provider, Makip, aligning perfectly with their sustainable vision.

The challenge of sustainable eCommerce

Komodo, which started as a traditional wholesale brand in 1988, has adeptly navigated the evolving landscape of fashion retail. With eCommerce becoming a significant part of their business, accounting for 40% of their revenue, Komodo has recognised the need to address the challenges posed by online shopping, particularly the issue of returns. Tony Mountford, Komodo’s Manager, has been seeking an online sizing solution for years but hadn’t found a suitable partner until now.

Tony elaborates, “Online purchasing behaviour changed drastically over the years, with many shoppers ordering multiple sizes of the same item, planning to return at least half. This not only increases costs but also encourages unsustainable shopping habits. We aim to promote more considered purchasing.”

A sustainable solution

As UK retail sales continue to rise, with annual fashion expenditure exceeding £54bn, the cost of returns is projected to hit £4.4bn by 2026. Komodo’s adoption of the Unisize app from Makip is a strategic move to provide a superior online shopping experience. The integration process was smooth, and within weeks, the app was operational on Komodo’s website.

Tony shares, “Meeting the Makip team at a trade show and discovering the Unisize app was a game-changer. Accurate online sizing helps us ensure first-time right sizing, boosting customer confidence and reducing the number of returns.”

The results go beyond the numbers

The Unisize technology is already delivering valuable insights to Komodo, enhancing efficiency and visibility on their website. This has led to higher conversion rates, indicating increased customer confidence and potentially reducing return rates, ultimately benefiting the bottom line.

Tony notes, “Makip’s collaboration went beyond just providing an app. They listened to our needs and adapted the app accordingly. Their flexibility and cooperation have been crucial to our success.”

Personality goes a long way

The partnership between Komodo and Makip is set to deepen with the release of new Unisize features later in 2024, including a generative AI feature – FaceChange, and genderless online sizing. Tony concludes, “Makip’s personable approach and willingness to collaborate have been key differentiators. Meeting their team, including the CEO, has assured us of their commitment to our success.”

This partnership is poised to set a new standard for how retailers can adopt a more sustainable approach to online shopping, blending Komodo’s eco-friendly ethos with cutting-edge technology to create a better future for fashion.