AlvaProducts, an US provider of technology solutions for apparel product development, sourcing and quality, has created a new consulting division and appointed apparel fit and sizing expert, Ed Gribbin, to lead the division. Mr Gribbin has been appointed as director of Strategic Services for the company's new global consulting division which will provide comprehensive size and fit consulting solutions to the apparel industry.

Mr Gribbin is the co-inventor of the Intellifit System, which is said to be the first body scanner capable of collecting accurate body measurements from fully clothed people.

According to research by Kurt Salmon Associates, 62% of consumers are more dissatisfied than ever with how clothing fits, and 85% buy a specific brand because of the way it fits his or her figure. This wide-spread misconception of body shapes and sizes is making it more difficult for retailers and brands to retain customers and attract new ones.  In response to these issues, the new consulting division hopes to help retailers and brands increase apparel sales and lower markdowns through: analysing fit, from product development to sourcing to quality, against global best practices and worldwide measurement data; presenting practical solutions designed to improve fit for a brand's current and target customers; assist clients in the testing and implementation of the solutions offered.

AlvaProducts' technology and customised mannequins are used by major retailers, brands, cataloguers, sourcing offices and apparel manufacturers throughout the world. The company holds several key patents using research in human morphology, 3D garment engineering, as well as information technology.