HIGH POINT — The rate at which trends are introduced has been undergoing a major timing shift in recent years, and it is about to get a lot faster, at least at Walmart stores.
A recent news article on Walmart’s corporate website highlights how the mega-retailer is using artificial intelligence and generative AI to gather global data and trends and aggregate the information for the company’s fashion team. The proprietary technology is called Trend-to-Product, and it is likely to transform not only the fashion world, but perhaps eventually the home furnishings industry.
Walmart officials explain that Trend-to-Product pulls information from the Internet and tastemakers to support the company’s Fashion Team in creating “on-trend, high-quality items with speed.”
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Noting that the average time to design and produce a new collection of clothing is currently six months, Walmart officials point out that Trend-to-Product allows the Fashion team to trim the research and design phase from weeks to minutes and uses generative AI to create mood boards, collection names and even materials suggestions. Following this stage, the designers and merchants refine suggestions and create the final pieces that will make up the collections.
“Trend-to-Product empowers our private brand design and product development associates to spend less time chasing trends and more time doing what they love most: creating and delivering high quality, on-trend items for our customers for every season and occasion,” said Jen Jackson Brown, senior vice president for apparel brand and design in Walmart U.S. “We are excited by the early results of this new technology and the power it could have to transform the way we operate and serve our customers.”
Transforming a six-month process into six weeks allows Walmart to offer of-the-moment merchandise in record time, and the Trend-to-Product technology gives Walmart an edge, officials said, noting the fierce competition in trend forecasting. However, the company is not limiting the technology and concept to the fashion category.
Bill Chiodetti is the lead product manager of Trend-to-Product. He says one of the many factors making the tech remarkable is its balance of speed and quality. And while the tool is focused on fashion at this moment, the potential applications are much broader.
“From the beginning, we recognized Trend-to-Product could go beyond fashion, to help Walmart bring great products to market in any category,” said Bill Chiodetti, lead product manager of Trend-to-Product. “Our mission is to help Walmart accelerate without compromise.”
Vinod Bidarkoppa, executive vice president and chief technology officer at Walmart International, said the company has continued to invest in cutting-edge AI and GenAI technologies to improve the lives of its customers, members and associates.
“Trend-to-Product is the latest example of how these technologies drive optimization, and when combined, can revolutionize an entire business line or industry,” said Bidarkoppa. “This innovation underscores our commitment to pushing the boundaries of what’s possible, ensuring that our customers always have access to the latest trends at the best prices.”