As smartphones and tablets make it easier for users to complete daily tasks, these devices will continue to make their way into new industries. Retail is one sector that is experiencing a large impact from mobile sales, and the current back-to-school shopping season is expected to see a large increase in purchases from devices.

A recent study by the National Retail Federation (NRF) revealed that a significant amount of smartphone and tablet owners will buy items needed for school on their devices in the next few weeks. Almost 70 percent of tablet users stated they will use their devices to purchase merchandise and supplies. As for smartphones, half of the owners surveyed said they will make payments on their devices for school-related items.

"Mobile continues to drive the conversation in the retail industry, and when it comes to back-to-school, retailers have spent months preparing their mobile promotions in anticipation of one of the biggest mobile shopping seasons we’ve seen yet," said NRF president Matthew Shay.

Retail sales are expected to increase during the back-to-school shopping season after July's numbers produced better-than-expected results, reports MarketWatch. Industry experts anticipate larger sales among consumers, as parents buy items and supplies for their children.

This entry was posted by Retail Pro on Monday, August 20th, 2012 at 2:00 am .