In this edition of Mobile Monday, we’re taking a look at how one major retailer is banking on mobile to bolster its back-to-school numbers and how in-store pickup for mobile purchases is becoming increasingly prevalent.
Staples Goes Mobile for Back-to-School
While retailers everywhere are scrambling to capitalize on the last waves of back-to-school shopping, Staples has given its “that was easy” tagline new meaning via an interesting new mobile app. Understanding that time-strapped parents want back-to-school shopping to be as painless as possible, the retailer recently rolled out a new tool within their mobile app that lets users upload their shopping lists by snapping a quick photo.
The system then utilizes crowdsourced data and artificial intelligence to prepare a list of recommendations. Granted, the process is a bit slow currently, with recommendations taking up to 24 or 48 hours to render. Nevertheless, the mobile-centric strategy could prove beneficial for Staples, as the majority of US parents use mobile phones to make back-to-school purchases and/or purchase decisions.
In-Store Pickup
In some markets, Staples’ tactic to streamline shopping via mobile is nothing new. According to a recent report by Business Insider, 54% of UK shoppers have used “click and collect” shopping within the past year. In this system, users place an order on their mobile phones and then pick up their goods while out running other errands.
Beyond providing more opportunities for customers to make a purchase, it also streamlines checkout processes, which both the customers and retail staff appreciate. Perhaps it’s not surprising, then, that mobile commerce accounted for 49% of all UK ecommerce in Q1 of 2016.
However, only 27% of US consumers have used a similar service. To rectify this, Nancee Halpin of Business Insider suggests that “merchants should do more than just recreate the desktop browser experience on a mobile app,” advocating that they employ tools such as “mobile loyalty programs, digital coupons, and social media.”
About AdColony Mobile Mondays
Mobile Monday examines the latest news, trends, and developments in mobile apps, tech, and advertising. Do you have a story to share for the next Mobile Monday? Tweet it to @AdColony. For the latest AdColony mobile news and updates, follow @AdColony on Twitter, like us on Facebook, or connect on Linkedin.
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