British Footwear Association and ShoeAI partner "to help members" sell more

By

Nigel TAYLOR

Published
Sep 8, 2022

AI-driven guided selling software company ShoeAI has joined forces with the British Footwear Association (BFA) to support its membership “through the cost-of-living crisis and looming financial contraction”. 

As a BFA-inducted ‘Community of approved Partners’, ShoeAI said it can provide solutions to members, who span e-commerce businesses, bricks-and-mortar retailers, suppliers, wholesalers and emerging brands. 

Drawing on machine learning capabilities, ShoeAI says its software improves the customer experience making shoppers three times more likely to buy shoes online. Customers are queried about shoes they already own, their size and shoe preferences, leading them through a six-step process that replicates the in-store experience that concludes with recommendations on shoes that are in stock in the right size. 

Timo Steitz, ShoeAI’s founder and CEO, said: “A perfect storm of post-pandemic footwear overordering followed by unprecedented falls in online demand as the cost-of-living crisis bites has left many footwear brands and retailers with falling sales and high inventories. 

“That’s why it’s the perfect time to team up with the BFA. Now we’re a partner, all its member companies can choose ShoeAI confident that, following our BFA audit and due diligence, our guided selling software is a reliable tool to drive their sales growth.” 

Polly Lythall, Business Development Manager at the BFA, added: “The BFA exists to support members and connect them with partners who can help them succeed. ShoeAI is an impressive solution that assists retailers in accelerating their digital sales. As UK households cut spending in the months ahead, our members will benefit from solutions that improve their customers’ experience and foster brand loyalty. We’re delighted to partner with this innovative company that supports those selling footwear online.” 

“Because customers are much more likely to buy a pair of shoes in a shop with a human assistant, this process is as close to a real-life experience as possible,” concludes Lythall. “It’s a great solution and our new partnership with ShoeAI ensures our members will benefit.”