Halfords has tested green screen technology for the first time to support the launch of its new Boardman clothing range, following a huge increase in customers using advanced imagery options when shopping online.
The bike and car accessories retailer has partnered with online imagery expert SpinMe to shoot the cycling fashion line and create high quality interactive images with green screen automation.
Halfords’ investment in spin technology – where browsers take control of an image and view a product from every angle – has seen a 37% year on year growth in the number of spins viewed on its retail websites by customers at the end of its financial year in 2015.
Green screen technology offers Halfords greater merchandising versatility, allowing it to display products in situ, and achieve a superior depth of product image where customers can view granular detail such as zips, fastenings and stitch work normally only visible instore.
The clothing range is a new addition to the exclusive Boardman collection at Halfords, which also features the award-winning Boardman bike range. The cycle clothing line will appear alongside all other products, inspiring shoppers to ‘complete the look.’
“The phenomenal increase in our customers using 360 spin highlights the need for quality imagery options that are as advanced and detailed as possible,” said Ben Towers, Digital Studio Manager at Halfords. “Although it’s clearly a cycling brand, we want people to view the new Boardman range as a fashionable performance range. We’re displaying images of the products in a similar way to fashion retailers such as Topshop, Uniqlo or H&M. Our aim is for customers to feel good in what they are wearing, while knowing it’s beneficial to their cycling performance.”
Halfords has worked with SpinMe for the past two years. You can view an example here.
“Green screen technology is a unique way of enhancing intricate fashion details and styling online,” said David Brint, CEO of SpinMe. “Halfords understands that displaying items in a sophisticated way reduces returns and increases buyer satisfaction. We are experiencing an extremely competitive time in the market where retailers will succeed by addressing these areas and creating a truly interactive shopping experience.”