Smartphones are becoming the defacto standard for users according to all the Q3 results posted so far, and it seems they’re going to be even more popular in the months to come if new stats from a US survey are to be believed. They’re also due to make significant changes to the way we shop.
Smartphones
More than 56% of current US smartphone users are seriously considering an Apple iPhone and 44% an Android device for their next smartphone, according to “Going Mobile,” a new study by IHL Group and RetailConnections.
IHL Group say both the iPhone and Android devices could nearly double their ship share in the US in the next 12 months. The study also reveals that only 24% of smartphone users surveyed are seriously considering a Blackberry and only 10% a Windows smartphone for their new device.
The study also focused on how retailers are planning to engage consumers before they visit a store and once they are in the store environment.
“The iPhone is quickly replacing the Blackberry in the mindshare of consumers and the executive office for many retailers,” says Greg Buzek, President of IHL Group. “The growth in the executive office of retailers and store associates is most striking.”
Shopping and mobile
According to the study, only 19% of retailers today support their management reports on iPhone. However, that number is expected to increase to 60% within the next 12 months. iPad adoption is soaring as well, from less than 5% to 47% within a year. Android-based devices will see a strong increase as well, from 14% today to 33% within the next 12 months.
“The iPad ushered in the age of the tablets, and retailers are going to adopt these quickly,” adds Buzek. “Retailers have longed for moderately priced handheld devices for their sales associates and store managers to enhance the consumer experience. With the advent of the iPad, we have seen the price drop from $1,500 a device to under $500 in volume. Some retailers are looking for these tablets to eliminate POS locations in their stores altogether.”
Coupons make the break to m-commerce
It also seems that consumers are becoming closer and closer to the magic m-commerce moment that so many retailers are waiting for, as 41% of shoppers have checked competitive prices while in a retail store either with Amazon, Red Laser, or another comparison engine.
Until then retailers will have to make do with couponing. From the stats, 35% of smartphone users have received and/or redeemed a coupon they received via text message. This increase in coupon use is something retailers are ready for, as 54% of all retailers surveyed indicated that within 12 months they will have the ability to not only deliver coupons electronically to their customers’ mobile phone, but also to scan the coupon into the POS directly from the mobile phone’s screen.
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