Retailers are increasingly shifting their point-of-sale to mobile devices in response to the growth in smartphone adoption and the need to create seamless shopping experiences across all channels, according to a new study, which underscores how the customer now defines the point-of-sale, with shoppers having more information and capabilities in the palm of their hands.

A San Francisco company launched a mobile drink ordering app, allowing consumers to place orders and pay for their drinks at select bars without having to wait in line. Since launch, the startup has been slowly adding local venues to the app. But it couldn't reach them all, so it just released a self-serve iPad app that bars can install on their own.

Almost half (43%) of retailers say that mobile and tablets are among their top three priorities for this year. And while respondents are split regarding mobile's impact on conversion rates, one study showed a net positive impact - 36 percent of retailers say that mobile sales and traffic have helped their company's overall Web conversion rate, while 29 percent have felt a negative impact.

A new study says that retailers will significantly bump up their mobile marketing spend over the next three years thanks in large part to coupons and advertising. The report says the $55 billion annual spend in 2015 almost doubles the spend that marketers are expected to invest in mobile this year, which is $28 billion.

Online mobile payments company BOKU has confirmed its new partnership with U.S. Cellular, the stated goal of which is to maximize the adoption of direct-to-bill mobile operator billing as a payment option.

Although a number of mobile customer loyalty and rewards companies have debuted over the years, a good many of these new efforts have been focused on taking the offline concept of the 10-hole punch card and transitioning it to mobile. Another startup has a different take on loyalty - it wants to make these programs more fun, and more like a game you play than a task to complete.

A popular jewelry retailer implemented a mobile point-of-sale application that all but eliminated customer lines and helped increase sales by 318% over the previous holiday season. With the mobile POS application, the chain increased points of checkout from four to 10 in most of its 28 stores across the U.S.

Many mCommerce predictions have suggested that within the next four to five years, there will be billions of dollars worth of purchases being made over smartphones and tablets. Though the consensus throughout the industry seems to be that this is correct in terms of its direction, analysts can't seem to come to an agreement regarding the necessary time frame for this achievement.

Fat Brain Toys launched its tablet-optimized site on Thanksgiving 2012. Today, the first batch of results are in show the retailer made a wise move in tackling tablets. Comparing the first 45 days after Thanksgiving with the iPad site up and running with the 45 days prior to Thanksgiving, the conversion rate on tablets increased 221%.

The Jones Group, which represents more than 35 brands including Nine West, Jones New York, Anne Klein and Easy Spirit, is equipping store associates with iPod touch devices to complement traditional registers and better assist customers on the floor.