As online shopping continues to evolve, Amazon is shifting its approach by retiring its popular “Try Before You Buy” feature for Prime members. North Carolina residents who enjoyed sampling clothing, shoes, and accessories from the comfort of their homes before committing to a purchase will need to adjust their shopping strategies.
Young happy woman choosing clothing and looking herself in a mirror at home.
Last Chance to Use the Service: January 31
The program, which launched in 2018, allowed Prime subscribers to order up to six items at a time, try them on for size, and return any unwanted products within seven days without being charged. Amazon confirmed that January 31 will be the final day for eligible customers to place orders under this program.
An Amazon spokesperson explained that advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) technology, including virtual try-ons and personalized size recommendations, are driving this change. These tools help customers find the right fit without the need to try items physically before purchase.
AI and Simplified Shopping Experience
“Given the combination of Try Before You Buy only scaling to a limited number of items and customers increasingly using our new AI-powered features like virtual try-on and personalized size recommendations, we’re phasing out the service,” Amazon stated.
For North Carolinians accustomed to the ease of trying on items at home, the company reassures that free returns on clothing will remain available. This adjustment is part of Amazon’s broader effort to streamline customer experience by offering a wider selection and faster delivery times.
Adapting to Online Shopping Trends
Retailers like Amazon are continually adapting to rising costs and shifting shopping behaviors. The company aims to reduce expenses associated with processing and shipping returns while enhancing the overall customer journey.
Despite the discontinuation of “Try Before You Buy,” the e-commerce giant remains committed to making online shopping seamless. For customers in North Carolina, that means embracing newer technologies to ensure confidence in their purchases—without needing a physical fitting room.