Fashion Retailers Embrace AI Virtual Try-On Technology to Cut Returns Fashion retailers are increasingly integrating AI-powered virtual try-on tools into their digital strategies to address the persistent issue of high product return rates, according to a report by CNBC published on April 5, 2026. The shift is driven by the need to reduce the financial burden of returns, which have long been a significant challenge for the industry. Startups such as Catches, along with major platforms like Shopify and Google, are leveraging generative AI and advanced fabric physics simulations to create realistic virtual fitting experiences for customers. These tools aim to bridge the gap between online shopping and in-store try-ons by allowing shoppers to visualize how garments would fit and look on their bodies without physically purchasing the item. The National Retail Federation (NRF) reported that in 2025, approximately 15.8% of retail sales—amounting to $849.9 billion—were attributed to returns. This figure highlights the scale of the problem, as returns not only incur direct costs for retailers but also strain supply chains and logistics operations. By offering virtual try-on capabilities, retailers hope to mitigate these issues by increasing customer confidence in their purchases. The technology simulates how clothing items would drape, stretch, and move on a virtual avatar, taking into account factors such as body shape, posture, and fabric properties. This level of realism is achieved through generative AI models trained on vast datasets of human body measurements and material behaviors. The adoption of these tools is part of a broader trend toward digital innovation in retail.#national_retail_federation #cnbc #shopify #fashion_retailers #ai_virtual_try_on
Daylight Saving Time 2026 Begins Sunday as Clocks Spring Forward The transition to daylight saving time kicks off on Sunday, marking the start of the annual time shift. This year’s change brings an end to the extended evening hours, as clocks are set back by one hour. The adjustment, while routine, has sparked discussions about its impact on daily life, energy use, and public health. Despite its longstanding tradition, the practice of daylight saving time faces growing scrutiny. Recent years have seen a decline in legislative efforts to make the change permanent. In 2023, the U.S. Senate passed a bill to eliminate the need for annual adjustments, but it stalled in the House. Similar debates have unfolded in other countries, with some regions considering permanent standard time or abolishing the practice altogether. The article highlights the statistical trends surrounding daylight saving time. Over the past decade, the number of bills introduced in Congress to reform or abolish the practice has dropped significantly. In 2022, only 12 bills were proposed, compared to 34 in 2018. Meanwhile, public opinion remains divided. A 2023 survey by the Pew Research Center found that 58% of Americans support ending the practice, while 38% favor keeping it. The shift also raises questions about its effects on health and productivity. Studies have linked the time change to increased risks of heart attacks, sleep disturbances, and workplace accidents. For instance, a 2021 study published in The Lancet found a 25% rise in heart attack rates in the days following the springtime switch. Conversely, proponents argue that the practice saves energy by reducing the need for artificial lighting during peak hours. The article also delves into the historical context of daylight saving time.#daylight_saving_time #pew_research_center #national_retail_federation #the_lancet #national_geographic
