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Biggest Mobile Shopping Driver: the Deal
by Chuck Martin, Thursday, July 10, 2014 1:03 PM
Mobile allows consumers to shop all the time, even though most
actual purchases are made in stores. Most (91%) consumers identify their smartphone as the easiest to use in-store device but the use or purchase influence depends on the type of products
being shopped for, based on a new study. Mobile influences vary depending on the category, with differences in grocery, apparel and technology purchases, according to the Local Mobile
Advantage of Retailing study by Gannet’s division G/O Digital and Key Ring. Here are the drivers:
- Grocery shoppers – The convenience of everyday low prices trumps discounts
for 21% of consumers
- Apparel shoppers – 61% of apparel and shoe shoppers are influenced by sales and clearance items
- Electronics – 54% of electronics and technology
shoppers are influenced by ratings and reviews
The study comprised a survey of 13,000 U.S. users of the Key Ring app who own at least one desktop/laptop computer and a smartphone or
tablet. Most (89%) consumers see their smartphone as the most convenient device to create a shopping list, with the majority (61%) saying they always or often create one. Some mobile
shoppers also look for deals, with more than a third (36%) searching for coupons via mobile device. As yet another indicator of shopping being a continuous process, 81% view their computer as
the easiest way to browse for deals even though they use their phones in stores. As yet another piece of showrooming research, only 12% of mobile shoppers in stores buy online. Although
consumers seem to be attracted to deals, fewer than one in 10 use their phones to compare prices in stores, according to the study. Even fewer (6%) overall check reviews and ratings. And as any
retailer knows, sales work. For items consumers have been researching or planning to buy, 40% say they will buy when the item goes on sale. This compares to 30% who say they would buy when
they need the item. Consumer use of mobile shopping is still evolving.