Mobile Commerce

Category: Mobile Commerce

Mobile commerce shows impressive growth in the UK

BWild | April 25, 2013

Mobile commerce making significant progress in the UK

Mobile commerce is showing strong growth in the United Kingdom. More consumers throughout the country are gaining access to smartphones and tablets, and these mobile devices are making it more convenient for a wider variety of people to shop online. Mobile commerce has garnered acclaim for the convenience it offers consumers and several retailers are beginning to grow more accommodating to these consumers as they show a penchant for mobile payments. The growth of mobile commerce is strongly tied to the availability of mobile technology.

Smartphone ownership on the rise

According to a recent study from Gartner, a leading market research firm, sales for smartphones and tablets have been growing rapidly over the past two years. In 2012, the number of smartphones in the world reached 1 billion — one for every seven people in the world. The rapid growth of smartphone ownership has exposed more people to the concept of mobile commerce, a concept they have shown a great deal of interest in.

Proliferation of mobile technology draws more interest into mobile commerce

Ofcom, a government-approved regulator of the communications sector in the United Kingdom, has released information showing that half of the population of the country own a smartphone, with 19% of the population owning a tablet device. Approximately 81% of these smartphone owners prefer to use their smartphones over traditional forms of communication. Approximately 31% of all site traffic in the United Kingdom comes from mobile devices as well, creating a strong need for retailers to become more accommodating to the needs of mobile consumers.

Ease-of-use and simplicity appeal to consumers

The reasons consumers have been showing such strong interest in mobile commerce are straightforward. First, mobile commerce is considered simple, with purchases made for products being accomplished in a matter of seconds. Another factor is that mobile commerce platforms are easy to use, proving accommodating to mobile consumers of varying degrees of comfort with mobile technology. Mobile shopping is also considered, among consumers, to be more enjoyable than shopping at traditional stores, adding further appeal to mobile commerce.

Mobile payments see swell of demand in Middle East

Denny | April 24, 2013

Middle East becoming more interested in mobile payments

Demands for mobile payments are rising in the Middle East. The Middle East is emerging as one of the most favorable markets for mobile commerce, especially when it comes to the United Arab Emirates and the affluent population of Dubai. Smartphones and tablets are becoming more common throughout the Middle East, exposing consumers to new ways to engage in the world around them. Mobile payments have begun establishing a strong foothold among a new generation of consumers with access to mobile devices.

Universal commerce may be coming in the future

First Data, a leading payment processing company, has coined the term “universal commerce.” This suggests that everyone will be able to participate in a new era of commerce through a singular platform that will be recognized by all retailers and businesses around the world. Such a platform does not have to come from a single company and does not have to be associated with one particular application. Instead, this platform is meant to provide a framework wherein consumers interested in mobile payments can use their smartphones and tablets to purchase products, or use more traditional forms of currency.

First Data finds that Middle East is enthusiastic about mobile payments

According to First Data, consumers in the Middle East are eager for a new way to participate in commerce and that the mobile space may offer the best solution. Research from a study conducted in 2011 by First Data shows that consumers throughout the Middle East are enthusiastic when it comes to online retail, showing strong signs of their support of mobile commerce. The research found that Middle Eastern consumers have a higher chance of participating in mobile payments than any other group in the world.

Mobile commerce finds strong support in Dubai

Mobile commerce has been growing in the Middle East, backed strongly by companies and organizations based in Dubai. The city boasts of one of the most financially active populations in the world, which has given many consumers in Dubai opportunity to engage in mobile commerce before the rest of the region. Those that have participated in the several mobile payments projects that have taken root in the city have praised the convenience and simplicity of mobile commerce.