Evaluating the sales potential of new products using machine learning techniques and data collected from mobile applications

Abstract

PurposeWe propose a machine learning based methodology to deal with data collected from a mobile application asking users their opinion regarding fashion products. Based on different machine learning techniques, the proposed approach relies on the data value chain principle to enrich data into knowledge, insights and learning experience.Design/methodology/approachOnline interaction and the usage of social media have dramatically altered both consumers’ behaviors and business practices. Companies invest in social media platforms and digital marketing in order to increase their brand awareness and boost their sales. Especially for fashion retailers, understanding consumers’ behavior before launching a new collection is crucial to reduce overstock situations. In this study, we aim at providing retailers better understand consumers’ different assessments of newly introduced products.FindingsBy creating new product-related and user-related attributes, the proposed prediction model attends an average of 70.15% accuracy when evaluating the potential success of new future products during the design process of the collection. Results showed that by harnessing artificial intelligence techniques, along with social media data and mobile apps, new ways of interacting with clients and understanding their preferences are established.Practical implicationsFrom a practical point of view, the proposed approach helps businesses better target their marketing campaigns, localize their potential clients and adjust manufactured quantities.Originality/valueThe originality of the proposed approach lies in (1) the implementation of the data value chain principle to enhance the information of raw data collected from mobile apps and improve the prediction model performances, and (2) the combination consumer and product attributes to provide an accurate prediction of new fashion, products.