Tag: united kingdom

UK is the world’s second largest mobile commerce market

| July 3, 2015

Report shows that UK has become the second largest mobile commerce market in the world

The United Kingdom has become the world’s second largest mobile commerce market, according to a new report from Criteo. This means that the country is only second to Japan when it comes to mobile transactions. Consumers in the UK have shown a great deal of support for mobile commerce, largely due to its convenient nature. Companies that specialize in mobile commerce have found a significant degree of success in the country, as well.

46% of all online transactions in the UK are made on a mobile device

According to the report from Criteo, approximately 46% of all online transactions made in the United Kingdom are now made through smartphones and tablets. Among consumers, mobile payments appear as a more secure way to conduct commerce. Mobile devices are also very convenient for many people, offering them a way to shop for and purchase products whenever they want to. Notably, many consumers prefer to shop from a variety of devices, with only a few being happy to shop on one specific platform.

Mobile apps make it easier for consumers to shop online

UK Mobile Commerce MarketThe report notes that mobile apps have played a major role in the growth of mobile commerce in the UK. These apps have made it easier for consumers to shop online and make purchases with their devices. Approximately half of all mobile transactions being made are coming from these applications, with conversion rates much higher in apps than on mobile websites. While mobile sites are not performing as well as applications when it comes to conversion rates, retailers are still being urged to optimize their sites to better accommodate mobile consumers.

Mobile commerce expected to continue growing in the UK

Mobile commerce has become a powerful force in the United Kingdom. Retailers are beginning to become more mobile-centric in the hopes of better engaging a new generation of consumers. Mobile commerce is expected to continue growing quickly in the UK, especially as more companies enter into this space with their payment platforms.

Barclays is expanding its reach in mobile payments

| July 2, 2015

Barclays intends to establish a stronger position in the UK mobile payments scene

Barclays, a leading financial institution, has announced plans to expand its mobile payments initiative in the United Kingdom. Last year, the company launched its own wearable device, which can be used to make contactless payments. Called bPay, the device has found some favor among consumers in the UK, and Barclays now plans to launch more options that will help mobile payments become more mainstream. The company intends to update its wearable device, as well as provide consumers with key fobs and stickers that can initiate a transaction.

Companies are seeing promising opportunities in the mobile industry

Like other companies, Barclays has seen a great deal of promise in the mobile payments sector. Several telecommunications companies have begun entering into this space, as well as technology companies like Apple and Samsung. In order to compete with such large companies, Barclays is working to improve its mobile payments solutions. Apple is expected to launch its new mobile payments service in the UK next month and Barclays intends to compete with the service and vie for the attention of mobile consumers throughout the country.

Cashless payments have overtaken traditional transactions in the UK

Mobile Payments - BarclaysAccording to the UK Payments Council, cashless payments have not overtaken the use of traditional currency. Consumers throughout the UK have shown favor for using their smartphones, tablets, and wearable devices to make payments. These devices represent a more convenient way to shop for and purchase products, especially online. While relatively few merchants accept mobile payments in physical stores, this is becoming more common because of companies like Barclays that are making contactless transactions possible.

New solutions will give Barclays a fighting edge

Barclay’s new key fob and stickers will act as a type of contactless bank card, allowing consumers to pre-load these solutions with funds. Funds can be added online or via a mobile application. Consumers can have several of these solutions and manage them separately. The new solutions may help Barclays better compete with other companies that have muscled into the UK mobile payments industry.