Submission AbstractCimu helps online, middle-market fashion retailers reduce returns by connecting consumers with easy and accessible clothing alterations. When a consumer wants to request a clothing alteration, our API intervenes and asks them three simple questions to better understand why. If the reason is something that can be solved with a tailor (e.g. a dress being too long), we put the consumer in touch with a local tailor. We handle contact and scheduling, and the retailer covers the cost of the alteration. All the consumer has to do is show up to the tailor with their garment.
Value Proposition Online clothing returns are costing retailers and the environment. Consumers not within traditional sizing measurements are unfairly constrained by purchasing options, & tailors are hard to find. Cimu reduces clothing waste by increasing clothing use, democratizing fashion & empowering local tailors
How we plan to make moneyWe charge retailers for each garment we service. Part of that charge goes to the tailors, the other part is our service fee. Additionally, we sell the data from our tailoring services to help better inform manufacturing decisions, microdata that they previously didn’t have.
Launch StrategyWe are currently running a 3-month pilot at 2 online, independent New Haven boutiques. We are currently in talks with 8 other Connecticut boutiques sprinkled. We’re hoping that the data from our pilot will convince smaller fashion retail chains, and eventually, ThredUp, Revolve, & Reformation.