Megan Sharkey

Hi Megan,

This is so interesting! I had no idea something like this existed, but I think it makes a lot of sense and would appeal to a lot of consumers. You mentioned how COVID-19 has changed customer shopping habits, and the rise in popularity of this particular type of technology is the perfect example of it. I would much rather have my face scanned and get a personalized list of products for my specific needs than waste my money on a product that may or may not work.

While this technology will definitely be expensive to implement, I do think that we’ll see more and more innovations like this popping up in the future. In my opinion, it’s a short-term cost that will give long-term benefits to the organizations that use this “smart” technology. I for one am excited to see how we can continue to creatively shop for products that will actually benefit us.

Hi Megan,

This is so neat! I haven’t heard anything about this before so it was an interesting read for me! For me personally, I love this idea of leveraging AI and I would go so far as to pay for it. I am not a big makeup person but that’s partially because I get anxiety walking into a store like Sephora. I never know what I’m looking for, I don’t know what shades go with my skin tone, I feel awkward testing it out. This technology would allow me to experiment from the comfort of my own home. Sunglass Hut does something similar in that, when you go their website, they screen your face with each pair of sunglasses you’re interested in so you can visualize how it looks on your face shape. It’s a total game changer. I’m excited to see this type of technology being implemented in other industries!

Hi Megan!
I feel like I have heard of this concept before I read your post. However, your post definitely put more depth about it in my mind. I would love to have access to this technology. As being a person of color, it is not always easy to find my right shade. The last time I got tested to see my new shade (because the shade of my skin is constantly changing, especially within the seasons) it was Sephora. I don’t know if its because of the light they have there, but the shade seemed right in the store. However, when I got home I found out it was a shade to dark. My face was a whole different color from my neck. Ever since then, I go up a shade from whatever they tell me and that concept has worked for me. I would rather have this technology to be able to get it right the first time. My main worry with this would be the cost of this technology. Yes, I would like to use it but if it’s too much money I would rather take my chances and go to the store.

Hi Megan,

I really liked your article. My immediate thoughts on Preso and HiMirror were that they both seem like very cool inventions that will go a long way in the beauty industry. I definitely think Preso would be cool to have in stores around the country like Ulta, Target, or Sephora to help out all customers who are as confused as I am when it comes to finding the perfect match. I definitely think both these inventions will be pricey, but 100% worth it. When it comes to the beauty industry, influencer marketing is definitely a huge part of the industry, but I think these smart devices will become big and be super beneficial in the market, especially if they are implemented the right way!

Hi Megan, this is a great example of how developments in AI can make our lives easier than ever. In today’s world, time is money, and this innovative technology would save both the customer and the retailer time as the customer can skip a trip (or two depending on if you purchased the right shade the first time) to the store and the retail company will see less returns which are a drain on staff time in the store. To answer your first question, yes the price increase for this type of technology is worth it because it will open the door for more targeted messaging which will result in an increase of profits. Once the system knows the blemishes, tone, elasticity of each customer’s unique skin profile, products can then be pushed onto the customer that they may not have even known they need before. This technology can stay with the customer as they age and their skin changes. And who knows, it may even save us a trip or two to the dermatologist!

Interesting read Megan.

I for one am a huge proponent of working form home, and do not want to go back into the office! Being in grad school while working is tough, and being able to do it all from the comfort of my room is extremely easier for me. Not to mention, I can also save on gas, and more importantly my own time with not having to commute 45 minutes to and fro my company. These little things add up and I could not imagine the amount of work I do now with also having to work in my office.

As for your question, I do not believe it is a lack of technology companies have to really hold them back from permanent WFH, rather, I believe it is the lack of production companies fear employees might have while working from home. I whole-heartedly disagree with such a theory, and even think my production in my life overall has increased, so I am hoping not to have to go back full time anytime soon.

Megan,

Great post! It’s pretty incredible how great of an impact Tik Tok has had on purchasing decisions. When I went to Starbucks the other day, there was actually a sign on the door reading “FYI. Many beverages, i.e. “the pink drink”, featured on Tik Tok have dairy in them. Please advise on any dairy restrictions in advance of ordering.” Incredible, right?

My 6 year old daughter is an avid Tik Toker and, therefore, a She-in customer as well. At 7 years old! I’m also now seeing friends/peers begin to shop there now as well. Withstanding the major concerns related to child labor, I do believe that it will continue to hold its grip. COVID has accelerated the need for both low-cost and accessibility. I think that as long as people continue to leverage social media as heavily as they have been/continue to now, especially with the increase of media influencers, She-in will have a long shelf life.

Regina

Hey Megan,

WOW!
I can relate to this post way too much lol. I just got a shipment in from Shein yesterday. I still have about 35 items in my cart, but I have no where to wear these clothes to due to the pandemic still going on today. I think that this app will continue to be very popular due to the fact that is it super cheap. Although, some of the items feel and look very cheap, all of the items I got, I love and wear most of them to work. I actually used Shein before it blew up on TikTok and was skeptical at first, but now I am all for it. I am curious to see what other people think of Shein!

Great Post!

Hi Megan,

Thanks for introducing me to this clothing company – I’ve never heard of it until now, but I’m also not on Tik-Tok. This is a tough one to answer. Personally, I think it depends on the individual. Individuals big in the fashion world would probably continue using Shein because of their affordability and trending styles despite the negativity attached to this brand. Take Nike as an example. They were also highlighted for their use of child labor and sweat shops but yet they remain a dominant brand to this day.

On the other hand, fast fashion may cause individuals to move away from the brand and look for an alternative brand because of personal beliefs. So, like I mentioned above, I think it depends on the beliefs of the individual. Personally, if the quality of the clothing was good and they had styles I liked, I would continue buying from the company.