Zalando takes over the software firm Fision

The online fashion retailer Zalando is taking over the Zurich-based software development firm Fision AG and intends to solve one of the foremost problems with mail order fashion by using Swiss technology: helping online customers to find the right size and fit for a garment at the first time of asking, as detailed in a press release covering the acquisition. The 3D body scan specialists have developed a body scanning app by the name of Meepl in addition to a virtual dressing room for this purpose.

Fision will remain headquartered in Zurich. The press release explains that Zalando’s plans include growing the Zurich site into a technology center that offers approximately 150 jobs in “one of Europe’s technology hotspots”. Founded in Berlin back in 2008, the online retailer for clothing, shoes, accessories and cosmetics has been active in Switzerland for a decade now and, according to information from the company itself, boasts more than 34 million active customers worldwide.

Helping customers to find the correct size and fit for fashion products should also avoid unnecessary returns. The 3D body scan app is designed to offer personalized advice that takes into account both the fit of clothing and the customer’s individual body mass in a virtual changing room.

Ferdinand Metzler, CEO and founder of Fision, comments in the press release: “We are excited to be joining forces with Zalando today. We share a vision for a customer-centric and sustainable fashion industry and look forward to scaling our combined know-how to over 34 million Zalando customers.” Fision AG was founded by a team of engineers from the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Zurich (ETH).