The service offers an individual kiosk to a consumer in which she can select an number of different makeup applications. At the push of a button, the consumer can simulate her appearance with the addition of the stores makeup.
The service that Wal-Mart is providing for EZface makes one wonder whether the startup would survive without a larger facilitator. Cosmetic companies may not feel the need to place EZface services within their stores. Although L'Oreal has updated its website with new customer functions that use the IBM technology behind EZface, L'Oreal has not established kiosks in stores. In light of corporate social responsibility, Wal-Mart is a good corporate neighbor in this case, aiding in another company's growth. This improves Wal-Mart's overall reputation as well as its sales.
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703700904575391213196820750.html
I'm not too sure if these machines are necessary. I guess they could be useful for a child who is just beginning to wear make-up and would therefore want to see how different products would look without actually buying them. However, that is only a small percentage of people. Others who know what kind of make-up they like would have no use for this machine.
ReplyDeleteDo you think Walmart's neighborly outlook is enough to encourage people to use this product or is that only good for getting people into the store itself?
I think that shoppers would enjoy using this product, however, I do not believe that this product would significantly increase sales. Makeup is a product that consumers need to physically try out rather than using a "virtual mirror". A "virtual mirror" can make it very difficult to successfully market any makeup product. Consumers will still want to test the makeup even after using the "virtual mirror". I believe that the cost benefit of this product would be very low.
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