How Can Retail Mobile Applications Help Businesses Stay Competitive?

The pandemic hit retail businesses hard, forcing them to find new ways to connect with customers.

One powerful tool for retailers is the mobile app. They can help businesses improve efficiency, cut costs, and ultimately stay competitive.

Retail mobile applications offer a more convenient shopping experience for customers, with features like browsing products, earning rewards, and finding deals. This can lead to more sales and happier customers.

If you’re a retailer unsure about how these apps can add value to your retail business, this article will clear all your doubts. So, without any delay, let's begin!

What are Retail Mobile Applications?

A retail mobile app is a type of application designed specifically for smartphones that allows retail businesses to connect with customers and enhance shopping experiences.

They work as a bridge between retailers and customers, offering a variety of features and functionality depending on the business’s goals.

Retail mobile applications allow customers to browse products, compare prices, and make purchases directly from their phones. This provides a convenient way to shop anytime, anywhere.

With features like store locators, digital coupons, product scanners, and loyalty programs, omnichannel retailing apps can also be used to improve the in-store shopping experience.

Moreover, a mobile app for retail businesses can collect data on user behavior and preferences, enabling companies to provide personalized shopping experiences. This can include targeted promotions, recommendations, and loyalty rewards.

Some Key Retail Mobile App Statistics

In the last few years, as customers' needs have quickly changed, businesses of all sizes, from emerging startups to huge enterprises, have developed, and many are still opting for retail mobile app development.

Here are some mobile app stats that highlight how they are revolutionizing the retail industry:

• 63% of smartphone users are more likely to purchase from businesses whose mobile apps offer them pertinent product recommendations they might be interested in.
  
  
• 51% of mobile users use a company or brand’s mobile app when browsing or shopping on a smartphone because they can get rewards or points.
  
  
• Smartphone users use half of the installed shopping apps on their smartphones at least once a week.
  
  
• According to Forbes Advisor, e-commerce industry sales are expected to reach over $8.1 trillion by 2026.
  
  
• Downloads and usage of ecommerce mobile apps have grown over the past three years, with significant growth during the coronavirus pandemic.

These numbers clearly suggest that mobile apps for retail businesses are a surefire strategy for surviving in today’s cutthroat competitive market.

So, businesses that haven’t joined this digitalization trend yet are most likely to be deprived of the opportunities this trillion-dollar industry brings to their businesses.

Benefits of Mobile App Development in Retail Businesses

In the retail industry, mobile apps can provide audiences with convenient ways to connect with brands and engage in ways that a physical store or website cannot offer.

Below, we’ve outlined many key benefits of retail mobile applications that businesses can enjoy. However, it’s worth mentioning that determining what you want your mobile app to offer is essential for a successful retail app.

A mobile app should add value to the customer and offer something your e-commerce website cannot. Otherwise, it’ll not benefit you or the customers.

Enhanced Customer Engagement

A well-designed mobile app for retail businesses can provide a dynamic platform where customers can actively engage with your brand.

Customers can participate in surveys, leave feedback, and engage with interactive content.

Features like push notifications and alerts keep users engaged and informed about new products, services, or events that can help your business build deeper connections with your customers.

Additionally, regular updates and personalized recommendations create a sense of community and involvement, enabling users to stay connected and engaged with your brand.

Improved Customer Service

Retail mobile applications allow real-time communication between customers and businesses. Users can take assistance, ask questions, or resolve problems directly through the app.

Integrated features like AI-powered chatbots also play a big role in enhancing customer satisfaction by providing immediate assistance and a seamless support experience.

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Increased Brand Visibility

With shopping apps installed on user’s smartphones, your brand gains constant visibility.

The Kirana store app logo works as a continuous reminder of your brand, reinforcing brand recognition. Every time users scroll through their app list, they encounter your brand’s logo and colors.

This encourages users to frequently use your app, which helps your business establish a strong brand presence in their minds, increasing the possibility of them choosing your products or services when the need arises.

Direct Marketing Channel

When it comes to the benefits of mobile app development in the retail sector, the app's ability to work as a direct marketing channel is one of the main advantages for businesses.

Mobile applications offer businesses a direct channel for interacting with their potential customers.

Through the push notification feature, you can send personalized offers, promotions, and recommendations to your customers based on their preferences and behavior.

This approach improves the effectiveness of your digital marketing strategies, as messages are delivered directly to user’s devices and as per their preferences.

Moreover, by delivering personalized content to individual according to their interest, you increase the chances of engagement and conversions.

Boosted Sales and Revenue

Retail mobile applications simplify the buying process, enabling users to browse, compare, and make purchases without the need to visit physical stores or websites.

This level of convenience of in-app online marketplace streamlines transactions, leading to increasing sales and revenue.

Also, apps can integrate with secure payment gateways to offer users a safe and hassle-free way to complete their purchases. This encourages users to make more frequent purchases and confident buying decisions.

Customer Loyalty and Retention

Retail applications allow businesses to offer loyalty programs, special discounts, and rewards exclusively to app users. These initiatives inspire repeat purchases and reinforce customer loyalty.

Push notifications can inform users to collect rewards or tell them about limited-time offers, keeping them connected with your brand and promoting a sense of exclusivity.

A well-designed loyalty program in your retail app can encourage customers to remain committed to your products and services, without going to your competitors.

Competitive Edge

A feature-rich and user-friendly new retail app can set your brand apart in the competitive market. While e-commerce websites have become a common platform, mobile applications offer a unique space for users to engage with your business.

The convenience of offering your products and services directly through retail shopping apps for online shopping makes your brand unique from competitors who rely solely on traditional marketing methods.

Developing the best retail app not only enhances your brand’s visibility but also positions you as a tech-savvy and customer-focused company, standing out in the minds of potential customers.

Integration of Emerging Tech

In your retail Android app development, you can also integrate advanced technologies such as AI Development Services, the Internet of Things (IoT), and Virtual Reality (VR) to offer innovative and interactive user experiences.

AI-based features can provide personalized recommendations and responses, serving individual preferences.

AR and VR can change the way users interact with your products, enabling them to visualize items in real-world settings before making a purchase.

On the other hand, IoT integration can allow customers to control smart devices directly from the app, enhancing convenience and connectivity.

Data Collection and Analysis

Retail mobile applications gather a wealth of useful user data, including preferences, behaviors, and usage patterns. This data can then be analyzed to gain valuable insights into customer behavior and preferences.

Understanding how customers interact with your app and which features they use most can help you update your offerings and marketing strategies.

This data-driven approach can help you make informed decisions that resonate with your target market, ultimately leading to more effective business strategies.

Related Read: 7 Biggest Advantages of a Data Warehouse Explained

Personalization

E-commerce mobile applications make use of location data to offer users localized content, product recommendations, and promotions. For example, a retail app can provide location-based offers or show nearby store locations.

By offering personalized experiences based on the user’s interest, location, and preference, you can increase the chances of the user finding value in the app and forming a stronger connection with your brand.

Global Reach

Well-designed mobile applications go beyond geographical boundaries, allowing businesses to reach a global audience. Where physical stores are limited by location, mobile apps can be accessed by users around the globe.

This level of reach opens up new business ideas and opportunities for expansion.

You can create app content to serve different languages, currencies, and cultural preferences, ensuring a personalized experience for users from various regions.

Expanding your business reach beyond local markets means increasing your brand exposure and revenue potential, allowing you to tap into a diverse and broad customer base.

Market Insights

Data collected from grocery app development provides valuable insights into user behavior, preferences, and trends. By analyzing this data, you can gain a deeper understanding of your target audience's needs and habits.

These insights can then guide you in developing tailored ad campaigns, product improvements, and strategic decisions.

Understanding user preferences and pain points can allow you to offer solutions that align with customer expectations, ultimately leading to higher engagement, conversions, and customer retention.

Social Proof and Reviews

Retail Mobile Applications provide a platform for users to leave reviews, ratings, and testimonials. These social proofs can influence potential customers' buying decisions, as positive reviews build credibility and trust.

Customer reviews work as real endorsements of your products or services, contributing to a positive brand image.

Encouraging users to share their experiences within the app can result in a growing repository of positive feedback, attracting new customers and bolstering your reputation.

Recommended Read: How to Get Rid of Negative Google Reviews & Strategies to Handle Them

Brand Authority

Choosing iOS/Android app development for your retail business shows that you’re committed to digital engagement and customer convenience, positioning your brand as innovative and tech-savvy.

A well-designed retail shopping app highlights a forward-thinking approach to business, which resonates with modern consumers who value convenience and a seamless shopping experience.

Suppose you have an app for your retail business. In that case, your brand will be at the forefront of technology, solidifying your authority in your industry and encouraging digital trust among customers.

Streamlined Operations

Another benefit of building a retail app is that you can integrate it with internal systems, optimizing various aspects of business processes.

For example, inventory management, order processing, and customer relationship management systems can be streamlined through the app. This integration can improve efficiency by automating processes and minimizing manual work.

Moreover, by merging operations within your retail business app, you can allocate resources more effectively and respond to customer requirements faster, leading to improved productivity and enhanced customer user experience.

Must-Have Features of Retail Mobile Applications

Now that you know why a retail mobile app is important for your business and how it can help you stay competitive in the market, it’s time to discuss some important features of a successful retail app.

While custom retail mobile app development involves many user-friendly features to benefit shoppers and sellers alike, the following are some of the most important app features that can add value to your business.

Push Notifications

As we already mentioned many times above in the benefits section, push notifications are one of the crucial features of retail mobile apps.

You can use this feature to inform customers of upcoming deals, discounts, offers, product launches, the start of sales, events, and so on.

Deals and Offers

Another crucial feature of a successful e-commerce app is deals and offers, that help spread awareness about your brand and also increase sales and revenue.

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Categories and Filters

Categories and filters are essential features of an online shopping app that help users filter unnecessary products from the list of their search results and find their desired products easily from a huge collection.

Rich Product Details

Along with a filter feature, a catalog with rich product details also plays an important role. It shows the users exactly what they’re getting when they purchase at your store.

Giving shoppers immediate digital access to facts, reviews, specifications, video demonstrations, and deals can help them make informed purchase decisions.

Digital Wallet

Mobile wallet integration is one of the most useful features of retail mobile applications. It facilitates swift and hassle-free payments, ensures the safety of sensitive payment information, and instills trust in users.

Must Read: What is a Mobile Wallet & Why You Should Use it? Everything Explained

Multi-Lingual Support

In this digital age, geographical boundaries are no longer a problem. Your mobile apps for retail businesses should incorporate multilingual support to cater to the needs of individuals from diverse linguistic backgrounds worldwide.

Multiple Payment Options

Aside from digital wallets, your mobile app should also support a variety of other payment options to serve a diverse target audience.

UPI payment app feature, payment through credit and debit cards, net banking, PayPal, and Cash-on-Delivery are some of the most popular payment options.

According to a recent survey conducted by YouGov, 50% of online customers abandon their shopping carts if they don’t find their preferred payment method. That means you should definitely add a variety of payment options in your app.

Social Media Sharing

The last crucial feature of retail mobile applications in this list is the social media sharing option.

This functionality helps app users express their experience, offer feedback, and post reviews about products or your brand, opening up the way for social media promotion of your retail business.

If you’re planning to build an iOS mobile app for your retail business then you must read: How Swift Programming Language is Best For iOS Mobile Development Project

Real-World Examples of Retail Mobile Apps

If there is any chance that you still have doubts about how retail mobile app development can help your business, you don’t have to look far for evidence.

Many popular brands in the retail industry have developed their own retail mobile app to enjoy endless benefits. Here are some of them:

Starbucks

Starbucks, a well-known global coffee chain, has leveraged its mobile app to contribute significantly to its remarkable success.

The Starbucks mobile app offers customers the convenience of pre-ordering and paying for their coffee in advance, streamlining their experience and saving them time.

Additionally, the integration of the app with a loyalty rewards program encourages customers to engage more often, fostering brand loyalty.

As a direct result of the retail mobile applications, Starbucks has seen a notable enhancement in both sales and overall customer satisfaction.

By investing in useful and unique app features that enhance convenience and value, Starbucks has solidified its position as a leader in the coffee industry.

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Walmart

Another immensely popular name in the retail industry, Walmart has used mobile commerce through its robust mobile app.

The app helps customers to browse and purchase a comprehensive range of products, from groceries to electronics, all from the convenience of their smartphones.

This strategic approach has allowed Walmart to capitalize on the changing requirements of consumer preferences and shopping behaviors.

By aligning its business operations with digitalization, Walmart's mobile app has increased sales and fortified the company's market position.

Amazon

There is a good chance that an Amazon online shopping app is installed on your smartphone as well.

A global e-commerce leader, Amazon owes a substantial portion of its dominance to its mobile application. Their app works as a gateway for customers to browse and purchase a wide variety of products, from a spoon to electronics and beyond.

By focusing on online shopping experiences, the company has transformed how consumers shop. This change towards mobile convenience has propelled Amazon’s growth and market expansion.

The user-friendly design and comprehensive product offerings of Amazon's online shopping app exemplify the company’s commitment to providing a customer-centric platform that continues to redefine e-commerce.

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How Can Arramton Build a Scalable Retail Mobile App For You

Retail mobile applications allow businesses to cater to customer preferences for personalized shopping experiences and enhance operational efficiency.

Therefore, a retailer who wants to improve business performance and enhance customer experience must opt for e-commerce app development services to create a new one or redesign an existing one with user-centric features and design.

So, if you’ve read this blog this far, you might also be interested in achieving success in the retail sector through a retail mobile app.

If you’ve decided and are looking for a custom retail mobile app development company specializing in building scalable mobile apps for businesses, Arramton can be your trusted tech partner.

Being a leading iOS & Android app development company, we have a proven track record of working with many world-class retail startups and established brands.

Our portfolio is proof of our experience building successful mobile apps for retail businesses, helping brands redefine their marketing strategy, and winning customers’ loyalty.

Connect with us today to get started with your mobile app development journey!

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. How can I grow my retail business online?

Ans. You can grow your retail business online by establishing a strong online presence! Create a user-friendly website or retail mobile app, leverage social media for marketing and engagement, and consider paid advertising to reach new customers.

Q. Why are apps good for business?

Ans. Mobile apps provide a direct line to your customers, allowing for easy access, personalized experiences, and real-time engagement. They facilitate convenient shopping, loyalty programs, and push notifications for promotions. This can boost sales, brand awareness, and customer loyalty.

Q. What are the key benefits of mobile app development?

Ans. Mobile apps offer increased sales, improved customer engagement, valuable data collection, and enhanced brand loyalty. They can streamline in-store experiences, offer targeted marketing, and provide a competitive edge in today's mobile-first world.

Q. How does an app increase sales?

Ans. An app can increase sales by offering convenient 24/7 shopping, faster checkouts, exclusive deals, and personalized recommendations. Push notifications keep customers informed about promotions, and loyalty programs incentivize repeat purchases.

Q. How do I run a successful retail business?

Ans. You can run a successful retail business by focusing on offering high-quality products, excellent customer service, and a positive shopping experience. It requires smart inventory management, effective marketing strategies, and staying up-to-date with customer trends and competitor activities.