subject: How Are Mobile Apps Helping In Changing The Retail Sector? [print this page] Companies both large and small in the retail sector are considering mobile apps as a vital component of their IT strategy. Not only are mobile applications considered an opportunity for innovation in the products of the retail sector, they are also value for money investments as they save time and energy of the enterprise & its employees. According to a survey conducted towards the end of 2011, more than 60 percent employees in the retail sector were more comfortable using their smartphones as opposed to the laptops at the workplace. The report suggests that this figure will go up by 18 percent by the end of this year.
Mobile shopping has been projected as one of the most popular applications of the decade. The revenue earned by the retail sector in the US in the year 2008 was only $369 million. By the end of the next year the revenue had shot up to $1.2 billion. If the projected figure is to be taken seriously, the US citizens are willing to spend more than $119 billion behind mobile shopping by the end of year 2013. This will have a huge impact on the revenues of the retail sector of not only the US but also the world. Mobile apps are all set to mobilize the profit machine of the retail sector over the coming years.
Mobile applications help retailers to link the in-store environment with the online shopping site, thus giving consumers a whole new experience in shopping. In fact, so many shoppers around the world (close to 87 percent, suggests a recently concluded survey) are using their mobile devices to complete shopping that in-store prices are comparatively higher today than the online prices. This trend is inspiring an increasing number of people to get the best deal at the best price available online. A conventional store in the retail sector is advised to use branded mobile apps today to mobilize business.
Features and Functions that a Retail Store Must Incorporate in its Mobile Apps:
1.Easy Payment Procedure The process of payment after shopping using mobile apps must be simple and easy to follow even by people who are not technologically sound. The app must have the complimentary mobile in-store payment option.
2.The price comparison option This feature must be present for every regular customer. It has been beneficial to a retail store in retaining loyal customers and attracting potential shoppers.
3.Special Customer Advisory Service - An expert advice or customer service wing can be added for helping a customer choose his/her product.
4.Promotional Offers - The retail stores must include options of promotions and discount coupons in their mobile app platforms.
5.Reviews of Products of the Retail Sector - Product review & recommendation engines will increase traffic to a retail stores online shopping site.
Shopping using mobile devices has to customized and empowered in such a way that it satisfies the preference of the customers. For this purpose, every retail store must take extra care to adopt the features in their mobile app and ensure complete user experience.
