Is M-Commerce App-licable to Retail writes Paul Downey
Author: Paul Downey
Last Updated: 4/15/2011 3:27:50 PM
Summary
News that New Look has launched a mobile-ready website has been countered in the retail market by Debenhams announcing further apps for Android and Nokia models.
Article
It seems that New Look is jumping on the M-Commerce bandwagon,
which could ensure purchases are made by a one-click payment system
whilst on the move.
This follows moves by fellow retailers House of Fraser and John
Lewis, who both recently launched mobile-ready sites
Market research has indicated that in 2012, access to the
internet via smartphones will overtake the desktop PC, so this is
an essential move for New Look.
The features of the website include crisp and zoomable imagery,
social media integration and easy one-click checkout for registered
users.
Many retailers are currently using apps as a mobile channel, but
BT Fresca recently stated that mobile-optimised websites are the
best way to exploit the m-commerce market.
Debenhams on the other hand has seen 360,000 downloads of their
apps in just five months, generating £1m of sales in the
process.
Additional features of the new apps are a wish-list and a
barcode scanner which allows shoppers to check prices and reviews
of products in the shop.
Debenhams invested in the apps after the success of the iPhone
app, which saw an increase of 82% in sales from their desktop
site.
Reports released from Keynote Systems have also revealed that
Tesco runs the quickest m-commerce site in the UK, followed by
Next, M&S and John Lewis.
So in light of these impressive figures for both retailers, is
an M-commerce website and essential tool for retailers today or are
Apps the way forward?
The Author
Paul Downey is a 26 year old freelance journalist based in Stoke
on Trent specialising in news, business, sport and entertainment
articles.He produces articles for newspapers, trade magazines and
websites. and his blog address is: Pauldowney001.wordpress.com