The retail landscape has shifted considerably during the last decade. Ecommerce has transformed the way we shop. And this evolution has reached a new stage with the arrival of mobile technology: the era of e-commerce shopping apps.But how exactly are these apps reshaping the retail industry?
Understanding E-commerce Shopping Apps
E-commerce shopping apps are smartphone apps that serve as a platform for online retail. They enable customers to explore products, compare prices, read reviews, and make purchases all from the convenience of their smartphones.
According to BigCommerce, mobile e-commerce sales are expected to account for 54% of total e-commerce sales. Similarly, according to a Shopify survey, 1 in 4 purchases were done on a mobile device during the 2020 holiday shopping season, a trend that is projected to continue in the future years.
As more consumers shop on their mobile devices, businesses are realizing the need of meeting their customers where they are: on their smartphones.
The Benefits of E-commerce Shopping Apps for Consumers
E-commerce shopping apps are not just a trend; they are a response to the changing needs and preferences of consumers. Let's explore some of the key benefits these apps offer to shoppers.
Convenience: In today's fast-paced world, convenience is king. E-commerce shopping apps allow consumers to shop anytime, anywhere. Whether you're on a lunch break, waiting for a bus, or simply lounging at home, your favorite online store is just a few taps away.
Personalized Shopping Experience: One of the major advantages of shopping apps is the ability to offer a personalized experience. Based on a user's browsing history, purchase history, and preferences, these apps can provide tailored product recommendations. This level of personalization can make shopping more enjoyable and efficient for consumers.
Diverse Payment Options: E-commerce shopping apps often support a variety of payment methods, including credit/debit cards, digital wallets, and even cryptocurrencies. This flexibility can enhance the shopping experience for consumers, particularly for those in regions where certain payment methods are more prevalent.
Security: With advancements in technology, shopping apps have become more secure. Features like biometric authentication (fingerprint or face recognition) and encryption help protect users' personal information, providing a safe and secure environment for online shopping.
According to a Business Insider survey, 85% of consumers prefer apps over mobile websites because apps are considered to be more convenient, faster, and easier to browse.
The Benefits of E-commerce Shopping Apps for Businesses
While e-commerce shopping apps offer numerous benefits for consumers, they also present a wealth of opportunities for businesses. Let's delve into some of the key advantages these apps provide for retailers.
Increased Conversion Rates: Mobile apps generally have higher conversion rates compared to mobile websites. According to Criteo, shoppers who browse retailers' apps convert three times more often than those who browse their websites. This increased conversion rate can significantly boost a business's revenue.
Improved Customer Engagement: E-commerce shopping apps provide businesses with a direct communication channel with their customers. Features like push notifications allow businesses to send personalized messages, offers, and updates, thereby enhancing customer engagement.
Access to Customer Data: Shopping apps can provide valuable insights into customer behavior, preferences, and buying patterns. This data can help businesses tailor their marketing strategies, improve their product offerings, and ultimately, enhance the customer experience.
Brand Loyalty: By providing a seamless and personalized shopping experience, e-commerce shopping apps can help businesses build brand loyalty. Features like loyalty programs, exclusive deals, and personalized recommendations can encourage customers to keep coming back.
A study by Invesp suggests that app users are twice as likely to return to a retailer's platform within 30 days compared to customers who buy from a mobile site.
Case Studies
To truly understand the impact of e-commerce shopping apps, it's helpful to look at real-world examples. Here are three case studies that demonstrate how these apps can drive business growth.
Case Study 1: Snitch
Within one month of launch, Snitch, a men's fashion brand, received 40% of their D2C business from the app! This tremendous growth has been attributed to the mobile app's user-friendly design which led to a 2.5x higher conversion & a 5x higher engagement (compared to their webstore). Source
Case Study 2: Fablestreet
Fablestreet, a fashion brand, achieved a phenomenal 5x conversion rate after launching their mobile app built on the Appbrew platform. The brand was able to integrate all their webstore integrations of Searchtap, MoEngage, Wishlist Plus live on the mobile apps in no time, enhancing the user experience and driving conversions. Source
Case Study 3: The Man Company
The Man Company, a men's grooming brand, managed to get 30% of their D2C business from mobile apps within six months of launch. Features like social sign-in, shoppable videos, and product bundling enabled by Appbrew played a key role in this success. Source
How Appbrew is Powering the E-commerce Shopping App Revolution
As these case studies demonstrate, e-commerce shopping apps can significantly enhance a business's performance. But how does a business go about creating such an app? This is where Appbrew comes in.
Appbrew is a no-code mobile app builder that allows brands to build customizable mobile apps.
Appbrew's user-friendly platform makes it easy for businesses to create an app that reflects their brand identity.
With features like social sign-in, shoppable videos, and product bundling, Appbrew enables businesses to provide a top-notch user experience.
Moreover, Appbrew's ROI calculator allows businesses to estimate the potential return on investment from their mobile app, helping them make informed decisions.
Conclusion
The rise of e-commerce shopping apps is more than just a passing trend; it's a significant shift in the way businesses interact with consumers and sell their products. As we've seen, these apps offer numerous benefits for both consumers and businesses, from convenience and personalized shopping experiences to increased conversion rates and improved customer engagement.
Companies like Appbrew are at the forefront of this revolution, providing businesses with the tools they need to create effective and engaging e-commerce shopping apps. With their user-friendly platform and a range of integrations, Appbrew is helping businesses not only to keep up with the shift towards mobile commerce but to thrive in it.
As more and more consumers turn to their smartphones for shopping, the importance of e-commerce shopping apps will only continue to grow. For businesses looking to stay competitive in the digital age, investing in a mobile app isn't just an option; it's a necessity.