N Brown strengthens partnership with Fashion-Enter Ltd to collect fit data

N Brown, the owner of fashion retailers JD Williams, Simply Be and Jacamo, is once again partnering with social enterprise Fashion-Enter Ltd, this time to collect customer body scanning data to further improve the fits of its products.

The aim is to also boost N Brown’s sustainability credentials by helping to reduce the volume of returns, as well as increase customer satisfaction.

In 2019, N Brown invested in 3D body scanning technology with 20 sensors recording over 150 body measurements. N Brown’s scanner has enabled its team to analyse body shape and sizing, facilitating 3D product development.

To maintain an up-to-date, accurate representation of customers’ body shapes, N Brown regularly invites members of the public to be scanned. However, on 27 and 28 June 2023, the N Brown 3D scanner will be at the FC Designer Collective shop at 113-115 Fonthill Road, Islington, which is a Fashion-Enter Ltd programme.

N Brown is particularly interested in collecting data from individuals that are a UK size 18 and up and is offering a free garment as a thank you for participating.

As a supplier to N Brown for the past three years, Fashion-Enter Ltd has worked closely with the group on manufacturing and repurposing of clothes, such as turning long-sleeve shirts to short sleeve.

The data collected over the two day event will be used to create master patterns and 3D avatars for product development, providing a more accurate reflection of customers’ body shapes, facilitating further improvements and consistency of fit for N Brown customers.

Angela Gaskell, Group Sourcing, Sustainability, Quality and Fit Director at N Brown, said: “We’re delighted to be strengthening our partnership with Fashion-Enter Ltd with this two day body scanning and upcycling event.

“We have a ‘think circular and right first time approach’ to product design. This relies on our customer body scanning data to create our 3D design avatars, so events like this are hugely important to improve product fit further.”

Jenny Holloway, CEO of Fashion-Enter Ltd, commented: “Working with N Brown over the last three years has been excellent. They were able to support made in the UK through the worst of the pandemic and now, during this time of economic hardship, they continue to do so by repurposing garments.

“We are delighted to now be able to support N Brown in its mission to review customer sizing from our FC Designer Collective boutique at the iconic Fonthill Road in Islington. N Brown has also kindly provided garments for recycling classes that will take place over the two-day event. A great opportunity for our customers to create their own designs and receive free garments.”