Amazon is phasing out its Prime Try Before You Buy program, which allowed Prime members to try clothes before paying for them, due to low usage and increased adoption of new AI-powered features. The service will shut down on January 31st, according to an email statement from Amazon spokesperson Maxine Tagay.
The decision comes after years of cost-cutting at the company, including massive layoffs, store closures, and reduced efforts in the grocery industry. Prime Try Before You Buy launched in 2018 as Amazon Wardrobe and was intended to provide a basic version of Stitch Fix’s curated clothing service, but returns remain a significant challenge.
Tagay stated that customers have increasingly relied on features like Virtual Try-On AR, which uses smartphones to show 3D renders of shoes, and personalized size recommendations based on customer reviews. These new tools are expected to make it easier for customers to find the right fit without relying on the try-before-you-buy option.
Although Prime Try Before You Buy is being phased out, Amazon will continue to offer fast, free shipping with easy returns on its full apparel selection.
Source: https://www.theverge.com/2025/1/11/24341422/amazon-prime-wardrobe-try-before-you-buy-shutting-down