Showroomprivé's recent announcement to cut up to 121 jobs in France by 2026 illustrates the extent to which the online sales industry is undergoing a profound transformation. Increased competition, the rise of second-hand goods, the disintermediation of brands: the sector is undergoing radical change. In the face of these challenges, artificial intelligence (AI) is emerging as an essential strategic response.

1. Restructuring reflects a major technological shift

Showroomprivé, the historic French e-commerce player founded in 2006, has announced a "reorganization project" likely to result in 121 job cuts - or 11% of the workforce.
The geographic impact is significant:

80 jobs cut at La Plaine Saint-Denis,
23 in Roubaix,
18 in Sables-d'Olonne, where part of the company's IT department has historically been located.

This massive downsizing comes after sales fell by 12.2% in the first nine months of 2025, and comes against a backdrop of extremely tense industry conditions:

aggressive competition from international pure players,
rising power of recommerce,
brands' direct-to-consumer strategies,
higher logistics costs.

To adapt, Showroomprivé is announcing substantial new investments in AI, process automation and improved mobile ergonomics.

2. Why is AI becoming an essential lever for e-commerce players?

Showroomprivé's strategy is not isolated: it reflects a structural trend in the market.
Fashion giants - whether platforms or brands - are switching to AI tools that enable :

automate content production (products, models, shoots, descriptions)
improve conversion through virtual try on and hyper-personalization
reduce costs related to logistics and the creation of visuals
optimize merchandising through data and AI prediction
accelerate creative cycles, especially in fast fashion

This technological approach has become central to platform performance:
players who fail to invest simply risk losing competitiveness and speed.

3. AI virtual mannequins: one of the pillars of brands' new visual strategy

This is where AI virtual mannequins become a major strategic asset for fashion companies.

✔ Shooting cost reduction

Hundreds of looks can be generated without physical shoots, without logistics, and at unprecedented speed.

✔ Integrated diversity and inclusion

AI virtual mannequins can be used to represent :

all body shapes,
all ages,
all origins,
all styles, with no operational limits.

In a context where consumers expect greater inclusion, this is a major competitive advantage.

✔ Personalization and immersive experiences

Combined with virtual try it on, these technologies enable customers to visualize a garment on their body or on a realistic avatar.
Result:

better conversion,
lower product returns,
reinforced commitment.

✔ Unlimited and consistent content production

For platforms like Showroomprivé, where flash sales require huge volumes of visuals, AI creation becomes a powerful acceleration tool.

These new approaches are transforming not only marketing, but the entire fashion e-commerce value chain.

4. Artcare: an AI R&D studio agency to support this transition

As anAI R&D studio agency specializing in fashion, Artcare is already helping brands and retailers migrate to more efficient and innovative workflows:

Creation of 100% AI virtual mannequins
Production of e-commerce assets (lookbooks, packshots, editorials)
Virtual try it on photorealistic solutions
Large-scale visual automation
Personalizing AI content for platforms

5. What Showroomprivé's reorganization means for the future of fashion e-commerce

This restructuring, while socially burdensome, reflects a global trend: the mutation of digital professions towards more automated and AI-centric models.

For companies, the challenge is no longer simply to digitize: it's now to optimize, automate and enrich the customer experience thanks to artificial intelligence.

Tomorrow's winners will be the players capable of :

adopt AI virtual models,
implement virtual try it on,
reduce visual production costs,
personalize the e-commerce experience,
and propose a bold creative vision.

Conclusion

Showroomprivé's decision is part of a profound transformation of the online fashion sector. AI is now a necessity, not a luxury. AI virtual mannequins, creative automation and virtual try it on are becoming the new standards for AI e-commerce fashion.

Brands that want to remain competitive have no choice but to integrate these technologies.

At Artcare, we're accompanying this revolution with tailor-made solutions that enable companies to accelerate their visual strategy, reduce costs and improve consumer engagement.

Put AI at the heart of your brand

Let's talk about how artificial intelligence can strengthen your identity, accelerate your creative processes and open up new perspectives for your home.

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