Category: Tablet Commerce

European mobile commerce experiences striking increase

Two out of every three people who have a smartphone or tablet have shopped with it over the last 12 months.

The annual ING International Survey – Mobile Banking 2016 revealed a considerable rise in European mobile commerce. In fact, 66 percent of mobile device owners in Europe had purchased something over their smartphone or tablet during the last year.

This represented a notable increase over the figure from the year before when it was 58 percent.

The countries in which European mobile commerce was the strongest are: Turkey, Italy and Poland. Furthermore, 50 percent of mobile shoppers will probably go back to a store that has retained their mobile payment data. The convenience of not having to re-enter credit card or bank account details is an appealing one to smartphone using shoppers in Europe.

European Mobile Commerce IncreaseThe current data shows more Europeans are using mobile commerce apps and websites than ever before. They are purchasing both services and products. Among products purchased over m-commerce, electronics and clothing are the most popular.

The survey suggested “one-click ordering” is a among the top drivers in European mobile commerce.

ING’s research also underscored an increase in mobile banking. The study showed that 82 percent of people who use banking services over mobile phone or tablet are also shopping over those devices.

The European countries most using m-commerce are Turkey at 88 percent of smartphone owners, Italy at 69 percent of mobile device owners, and Poland, also at 69 percent. That said, the countries experiencing the fastest growth of mobile commerce shopping are France and the Netherlands. Smartphone and tablet owners in those countries are taking part in m-commerce 16 percent more this year than they were last year.

The United States is also seeing a rapid growth. It has risen by 16 percent to reach 74 percent this year. In Australia, the growth was much more modest at only 6 percent, bringing it to 49 percent of device users.

European mobile commerce has risen faster among younger generations of smartphone and tablet user. That said, all age groups have grown in their use of mobile shopping.

Google shopping search features updated for travel and retail

For people who love using their laptops and smartphones to shop or book trips, more tools are now available.

Consumers looking to book a trip or buy something online will want to know about the latest Google shopping search tools.

The largest search engine in the world has now rolled out a range of new search features for shoppers.

The idea behind the new Google shopping search features is to allow consumers to make more informed decisions. Now, more than ever before, consumers are researching, comparing and buying products and services online. This includes the use of their mobile devices as well as laptops and desktops. In particular, research and bookings of a vacation or other form of trip.

The new Google shopping search features include filters meant to help narrow searches based on many factors.

Google Shopping SearchAmong the filters are hotel ratings, price and other factors consumers may consider when planning a trip. Google explained that mobile travel and shopping searches had increased by 30 percent over the last year. This encouraged the search giant to launch a range of new features to cater to that activity.

Google said “October through December are traditionally the biggest months for both travel and shopping, and this year we expect mobile to play its biggest role ever,” on its blog.

Among the newly launched Google shopping search features are:

• Hotel tips – which can assist in finding accommodations in the same way the feature already helps consumers to find flight info.
• Hotel smart filters – this allows online and mobile consumers to narrow their shopping searches by price, rating and other factors simply by tapping (or clicking) the screen.
• Price tracking for flights – airline ticket features have also been expanded. This Google shopping search option lets users track routes, dates or even a particular flight, advising of changes in price.

Beyond travel searches, Google also launched Showcase Shopping ads. With those, retailers can assemble collections of related product images. In this way, retailers can showcase more of the products they offer across a much wider category, such as “mobile accessories” or “travel essentials.”