Chinese mobile commerce shows promising growth
Mobile commerce has been making impressive progress throughout the world, but the scene has been seeing the most activity in China. The country has become a hub for mobile technology and innovation and many of the consumers living there were among the first to embrace mobile commerce. Chinese consumers have been attracted to the convenient nature of mobile payments and many have praised the services that have been opened up to them over the past two years.
Sector expected to reach $41 billion by 2015
A new report from iResearch, a market research firm, shows that mobile commerce has grown exponentially throughout China. According to the report, mobile commerce was worth $7.8 billion by the end of 2012. The report also expects this growth to continue, reaching $41 billion by 2015. While the sector has grown as a whole, one company has emerged as the dominating force in the mobile commerce field.
Taobao leads in mobile payments
Taobao, one of the largest mobile-based shopping organizations in the country, has established a formidable force when it coes to mobile payments. The company is part of the Alibaba Group, which is the most influencial online retailer in the country, eclipsing competitors Amazon and eBay. Tabao is the Alibaba Group’s consumer-to-consumer shopping platform, operating in much the same way that eBay operates in other parts of the world. The company represents more than 75% of the online retail market in China.
Retailers find success through engaging mobile consumers
Taobao, along with other retailers, has put strong focus on mobile commerce in order to appeal more to consumers tethered to smartphones and tablets. This focus has served these retailers well as consumers have shown a penchant for shopping for products even while at work or traveling. Mobile commerce allows these consumers to maintain a constant connection with retailers, allowing them to make purchases at any time they choose.
