Smartphones making their way into the retail shopping realm
There are a variety of ways consumers browse for and purchase retail products, and recent technological advances are helping to make the shopping experience easier for customers. Smartphones are giving people tools in the palms of their hands to compare and buy the items they are looking for from retailers regardless of their location. For this reason, merchants may want to be begin implementing mobile strategies and options for these consumers, if they haven't already. Putting more focus on smartphones can help businesses draw in more device-carrying shoppers, both in their stores and on their websites.
Smartphones increasingly used for retail purposes
When it comes to internet retailing, there are still many consumers who prefer to use computers and laptops to browse merchants' sites and purchase their products through the online channels. However, smartphones are increasingly being used for these tasks as well, as they give shoppers more flexibility to research and buy items from anywhere and at anytime. According to The Harris Poll, 81 percent of respondents stated they use computers to look up information about goods and services, and 78 percent said they purchase them using the devices. But when it comes to smartphones, 45 percent use their gadgets to browse wanted products, and 23 percent make payment transactions through the mobile channels. These elements provide more information for shoppers as well as faster payment transactions.
Smartphones can also be used in retail stores
The Harris Poll findings highlight the growing use of smartphones for ecommerce retail purposes, but the devices are also being at brick-and-mortar locations. Internet Retailer reports that a recent study by ad agency Moosylvania revealed that many consumers who own smartphones want more in-store options for using their devices. Shoppers are increasingly using their phones to research items in storefronts, and they also use them to compare prices with other retailers.
Additionally, smartphone owners want access to things like mobile coupons, applications, QR codes and mobile display ads. Many customers also have no hesitance when it comes to making larger purchases on their phones, meaning that retailers can see big revenues by accomodating smartphone owning consumers.
"When it comes to buying most goods and services, speed is beyond the essence," says Norty Cohen, founder and CEO of Moosylvania. "They are researching reviews, comparing prices, photo sharing and making purchases in seconds, and prefer doing so equally online and in-store."
