{"id":15852,"date":"2018-04-25T20:53:56","date_gmt":"2018-04-25T20:53:56","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/fieldnation.com\/resources\/ecommerce-site-mobile-app-retail\/"},"modified":"2023-02-27T10:19:10","modified_gmt":"2023-02-27T10:19:10","slug":"ecommerce-site-mobile-app-retail","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/fieldnation.com\/resources\/ecommerce-site-mobile-app-retail","title":{"rendered":"E-Commerce Sites or Mobile Apps: Which is Best for Retail?"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"ecommerce-app\"62% of smartphone users have made a <\/span>purchase online using their mobile device<\/span><\/a> in the last 6 months. A resulting debate has started regarding whether retailers should develop an optimized eCommerce website for their retail store or stick with a downloadable app.The decision of which is the better option for a retail business depends on a number of factors like the product offering(s), target consumer audience, required investment and competition.<\/span><\/p>\n

So how can you figure out which method is best for your retail business and will gain more revenue and drive customer loyalty? Let\u2019s take a look.<\/span><\/p>\n

Customers Like E-Commerce Apps<\/b><\/h3>\n

Mobile apps allow retailers to engage with customers. Many retailers struggle to strategize how they can communicate with consumers unobtrusively. Ideally, reminders prompt customers to make a purchase without annoying them. Mobile apps allow merchants to send customers push notifications about discounts, sales, new products and relevant news. Simultaneously, they drive customer engagement.<\/span><\/p>\n

Additionally, research suggests that consumers enjoy using mobile apps. S<\/span>tudies show<\/span> that 89% of consumer media activity occurs on mobile apps<\/a>. Not only can the right app help attract loyal customers, but it can also reward them with a more convenient and interesting experience.<\/span><\/p>\n

Mobile Apps Will Continue to Grow<\/b><\/h3>\n

As technology evolves, so too will the growth of eCommerce apps. To make it easier for consumers to make purchases, many retailers are enabling mobile payment systems. Innovative technologies like \u201cApple Pay\u201d enable consumers to make in-store purchases from their phones. In brick-and-mortar stores, this prevents customers from having to wait in line.<\/span><\/p>\n

Mobile apps also improve in-store experiences by streamlining several channels (omnichannel retailing). \u00a0Integrating digital catalogs into retailers’ physical stores can improve customer experience. Digital catalogs also increase sales by giving consumers’ information about products of interest. Take app-based barcode scanners, for example. With one click, customers can view product details, deals, and availability.<\/span><\/p>\n

Consumers Prefer Websites to Apps<\/b><\/h3>\n

While it may seem surprising in today\u2019s app-centric world, <\/span>research suggests<\/span><\/a> that customers prefer using the mobile web as a place to shop when compared to eCommerce apps. This means that having a high-performing, responsive site is just as important as investing in an app. This data also proposes that:<\/span><\/p>\n