After implementing Looklet into their apparel photography process a large, US retailer has seen remarkable results in their turnaround time (TAT) for apparel imagery achieving same-day TAT from product receipt to online. A 1-year analysis of their 60,000+ images produced with Looklet found that, on average, their TAT from warehouse check-in to webshop was only 1.38 days, improving upon their already highly-efficient and industry-leading process.

These extraordinary results help shatter long-held assumptions that TAT for product photography has to be long and time-consuming. In conversations with brands and retailers, we’ve found that traditional in-house model shoots can take anywhere from 3-7+ days. When outsourcing these model-shoots can easily take 5-10+ days and require many touchpoints that can slow the process down. Automated product photography technology, such as Looklet, can revolutionize thinking about TAT and exactly how fast your products can go online setting an ambitious challenge for all competitors in the industry.

Average Turnaround-time (TAT) of 1.38 days during first 52 weeks of collaboration for a large-volume, US-based retailer.

Detailed data of time spent on each of 3-steps of apparel product photography process for during the first 52 weeks of collaboration for a large-volume, US-based retailer.

To put the value of TAT into context, research on speed to market for e-commerce apparel products emphasizes its significant impact on the success of businesses in the fast-paced and highly competitive e-commerce apparel industry. Reducing TAT supports strategic initiatives for e-commerce apparel retailers aiming to succeed in today’s fast-moving fashion industry, for example:

Increasing competitive advantage: Speed to market is considered a crucial factor in gaining a competitive edge. Research suggests that companies that can bring new apparel products to market quickly tend to outperform their slower competitors. Rapid product introductions allow businesses to stay ahead of trends, satisfy customer demands, and seize market opportunities more effectively.

Responding to consumer expectations: With the rise of e-commerce and fast fashion, consumers have developed higher expectations for quick product availability. Customers expect faster delivery times and prompt access to the latest apparel trends. Failing to meet these expectations can lead to lost sales, reduced customer satisfaction, and diminished brand loyalty.

Reducing lead-times: Shorter lead times enable companies to respond swiftly to market shifts, adapt to changing consumer preferences, and capitalize on short-lived fashion trends. Streamlining product development and supply chain processes can significantly contribute to reducing lead times.

Implementing agile and flexible Operations: The ability to react promptly to market demands is essential. Creating agile and flexible operations, such as lean manufacturing, just-in-time production, and responsive supply chains, facilitate faster speed to market. These strategies help reduce inventory holding costs, minimize product obsolescence, and improve responsiveness to customer needs.

Expanding and optimizing technology and collaboration: Leveraging technology and fostering collaboration within the supply chain can expedite speed to market. Research highlights the significance of integrated information systems, data analytics, and digital tools in accelerating product development, production, and distribution processes. Integrated information systems, data analytics, and digital tools in accelerating product development, production, and distribution processes.

The Looklets features that help improve TAT in the apparel product photography industry

For a deep dive into each of these features check-out our blog post here that goes into more detail into all the Looklet features to help achieve faster production.

Easy integrations and data capture

- Looklet already has integrations with common studio technology such as Creative Force and Shotflow.

- Not using Creative Force or Shotflow? We also offer manual entry and data tracking from when the item is shot in the Looklet Studio until image export from the Look Creator.

No retouch or color references required

- Automated retouch: Looklet automates retouching and color processes for studio-shot items, delivering images within 17 hours or faster.

- We know color: Our automated process also eliminates the need for color reference (and we are pretty awesome at colors!).

Increased shooting and styling efficiency

- More items shot means items faster online without any adjustments to your current workflow. You can shoot an average of 80+ items in your Looklet studio and our most productive clients regularly shoot up to 120 items in each of their Looklet studios!

- Automate styling decisions with templates so you can quickly style 100+items a day - that's more than 500 item images ready to go in a single day!

Save time (and money) by simplifying admin and shoot logistics

- Model casting and shoot coordination are a thing of the past with Looklet. Looklet casts, shoots and manages model rights for our library so you don’t have to.

- Do more with your budget: Looklet Studios are designed to be simple and automated - no advanced photography knowledge required.

Unique mix-n-match functionality

No more photoshoots or images with out of stock items anymore. Restyle any image quickly and easily from Look Creator so that items in your product images are always in stock and you capture every sale.

Reduce reshoots and costly errors

Looklet’s complementary tool, Item Reviewer, allows managers to keep a birds-eye view of the entire production process and catch any styling mistakes or give feedback before the items even leave the studio.

Summary

Overall, research underscores the critical role of speed to market in e-commerce apparel products. By embracing agile operations, leveraging technology, and prioritizing consumer expectations, businesses can enhance their competitiveness, meet customer demands, and seize market opportunities more effectively.

Thought leaders in the market agree optimizing your photo production process and reducing TAT is increasingly important for e-commerce apparel brands and retailers. By implementing advanced, automated imaging systems such as Looklet your company can get items shot, retouched, styling and on your e-commerce site faster than ever.

To find out more email us: business@looklet.com

André, S., Balchandani, A., Berg, A., & Rölkens, F. (2022, November 29). The state of fashion 2023: Holding onto growth as global clouds gather. McKinsey & Company. https://www.mckinsey.com/industries/retail/our-insights/state-of-fashion#/
Hagiu, A., & Wright, J. (2019, December 17). When data creates competitive advantage. Harvard Business Review. https://hbr.org/2020/01/when-data-creates-competitive-advantage
Engines, E. (2021, May 25). Lead time in the fashion industry. Medium. https://evaengines.medium.com/lead-time-in-the-fashion-industry-af0db739a0d6