Category: Mobile Commerce

UK retailers may be missing the mark with mobile commerce

UK Mobile CommerceUK retail industry may not be accommodating of mobile commerce

Mobile commerce is expanding, but United Kingdom retailers may be missing their opportunity to take advantage of the growing number of consumers that are interested in shopping from their mobile devices. Skava, a leading provider of retail technology, has announced that it recently participated in a study of UK and U.S. retailers. The study suggests that a significant portion of retailers in the UK are not optimizing their websites for mobile devices, which means that they could be missing out on a significant amount of business from mobile consumers.

Study shows half of top 100 retailers in the UK are not taking mobile seriously

The study shows that only 50% of the UK’s top 100 retailers have optimized their websites for mobile devices, compared to 100% of the top 100 retailers in the U.S. Skava suggests that not optimizing retail sites for mobile viewing could be a major misstep for UK retailers, especially as consumers become more apt to use their mobile devices to make purchases. Mobile commerce is growing in popularity and many retailers may find that they are missing a significant opportunity, potentially losing their spot in the top 100 by making it difficult for consumers to participate in mobile shopping.

Websites optimized for mobile devices are becoming increasingly important

Websites that are not optimized for mobile devices are difficult for mobile consumers to use. This is because mobile devices are inherently different than traditional computers. Smaller screens and access to mobile Internet make it difficult for consumers to browse sites that do not prioritize cross-platform optimization. In terms of mobile commerce, e-commerce sites make mobile payments almost impossible, providing consumers with a poor experience.

Skava aims to promote mobile commerce services

The growing number of consumers with smartphones and tablets has lead many companies to optimize their websites for mobile viewing, but much of the retail industry in the UK remains somewhat complacent. Skava recently entered into the European market in order to provide more services to the retail industry, aiming to help retailers become more accommodating of mobile commerce.

Study highlights the growing potential of mobile search

Mobile Search StudyMobile search highlighted in new study from Google

Google has teamed with Nielsen, a leading market research firm, to release the results of a new study that the two parties have been conducting for some time. The study highlights the amount of time that consumers devote to searches on their mobile devices. With the growing prominence of mobile commerce, mobile search is gaining more attention and understanding how consumers are using their time to search could be a major benefit to companies  that want to engage mobile consumers.

Consumers searching for products from their mobile device

According to the study, 55% of the time consumers spend on mobile searches is to find a product to purchase. The study shows that within an hour of when consumers find a product they are interested in, they will purchase that product directly from their mobile device. The study also shows that 45% of mobile searches are conducted in order to help a consumer make a purchase decision. One of the more interesting discoveries highlighted by the study is that nearly two-thirds of consumers actually conduct mobile searches while in a store.

In-store searchers are common

Many analysts suggest that mobile technology and the ability to purchase products from a mobile device is causing consumers to avoid traditional brick-and-mortar stores. The study shows that consumers till favor visiting stores for products, but shows that more people are relying on their mobile devices for product research. These devices, which enjoy a constant connection to the Internet, are ideal research tools as they allow consumers to find a wealth of information concerning a particular product or the brand associated with that product.

Mobile search may be a promising opportunity for advertisers

While the study shows that mobile searches do occur in stores, consumers are more likely to search for products on their mobile device while they are at home or at work. The popularity of mobile search could be a major opportunity for advertisers that are looking to engage mobile consumers. The study suggests that consumers participating in mobile search are inclined to follow advertisements that they find on websites and search engines while trying to find certain products.