Report shows that China is the fastest growing mobile commerce market in the world
China has become the world’s fastest growing and largest mobile commerce market, according to a report from Juniper Research. The report shows that online purchases from mobile devices have increased significantly over the past few years, with many consumers favoring the convenience of mobile shopping. E-commerce is also growing quickly, as more people show their interest in shopping from home rather than visit physical stores. Doing so allows them to avoid crowds and shop at their leisure.
Online sales in China are expected grow by 60% in China by 2018
Juniper Research predicts that annual purchases made through mobile devices and desktops will reach 125 billion globally by 2018, which China accounting for the majority portion of the purchases being made. By 2018, online sales in China will grow by more than 60%. Juniper Research suggests that the primary driver of this growth is “commuter commerce,” which refers to those with long commutes relying on their mobile devices to get their shopping done. Rapidly expanding mobile Internet networks are also making it easier for consumers to shop online wherever they may be.
China’s e-commerce sales reached $450 billion last year
The report shows that China has already overtaken the United States when it comes to mobile purchases. Last year, there was some $450 billion in e-commerce sales in China compared to the $296 billion in e-commerce sales made in the United States. Of the companies that have found success in China’s mobile commerce market, Alibaba has, perhaps, established the greatest lead over others. This retailer alone saw more than 330 million consumers use its platform in 2014.
Security risks may have a dramatic affect on China’s growing mobile commerce market
While mobile commerce is growing rapidly throughout China, security risks may eventually slow the growth of the market. Serious risks are beginning to emerge that threaten the safety of consumer financial information. Businesses are also being threatened by these risks, which is beginning to affect their enthusiasm about mobile commerce in general.
Coupofy analysis shows that mobile shopping is gaining momentum
Coupofy, a leading database of online coupon codes, has been observing the mobile commerce space quite intently, as it has seen a growing number of people rely on their smartphones and tablets to do their shopping and research products. The company has released an analysis of data concerning the growth of the mobile commerce market, finding that many consumers are beginning to favor shopping with their mobile devices rather than with their desktops or visiting physical stores.
Mobile spending expected to hit $600 billion by 2018
According to the analysis from Coupofy, between 2013 and 2016, mobile shopping increased by more than 42%. By comparison, conventional e-commerce grew by 13% over the same period. As 2016 is not yet hear, the growth in both mobile shopping and e-commerce is expected to increase. By 2018, it is estimated that consumers will spend some $600 billion in mobile purchases. This represents 300% growth over the mobile spending that was reported in 2014.
Emerging markets are seeing major growth in mobile shopping and spending
Coupofy notes that Norway, Sweden, Denmark, China, and Spain are the fastest growing mobile commerce markets in the world, with China holding the top spot. Emerging markets, such as Taiwan, are also experiencing rapid growth, as more consumers begin to access the Internet with their smartphones and tablets. Both India and Taiwan saw a 60% increase in mobile spending from 2012 to 2014 due to increased smartphone penetration.
Retailers are helping power the growth of mobile commerce
Several retailers are aiding in the growth of mobile commerce. Amazon, which is one of the world’s largest e-commerce retailers, has noted a significant rise in the number of consumers purchasing products through mobile devices. In China, Jingdong Mall has also seen an increase in mobile shoppers, as consumers are beginning to favor their mobile devices to find and purchase products. Mobile shopping is becoming particularly popular among commuters who travel to work and back on a regular basis. Shopping from a mobile devices represents an easier way for these consumers to get their shopping done.