Chill Talk:
- With the rise of digital shopping, over half (55%) of mobile shoppers snagged at least one new shopping app pre-holiday season, according to a Digital Turbine report.
- Top picks for downloaded apps included Amazon, Walmart, and Target. However, the report also singled out some other apps like Nike, Etsy, Poshmark, and Fetch Rewards as "climbers," implying increased consumer interest for these apps.
- Sam's Club and eBay were among the apps that saw lower interest despite being well-known, the report revealed.
Interesting Insights:
Mobile apps of Nike and Etsy recorded significant growth, according to a recent report during the holiday season.
The Digital Turbine report mirrors findings from similar research suggesting that retail giants like Walmart and Amazon are leading the race in app downloads and consumer awareness. A report from Sensor Tower Store Intelligence discovered that Walmart, Amazon, and Shop topped the list of the most downloaded shopping apps during Black Friday 2020. Another report from Apptopia came out at the start of the year, suggesting that Amazon, Walmart, and Wish were the most popular apps amongst U.S. shoppers throughout 2020.
A broader analysis shows that consumers, particularly younger ones, are moving towards mobile app shopping more frequently. A report by Liftoff and Adjust observed a 40% increase in mobile shopping app engagement in 2020 compared to 2019, hinting at consumers turning to mobile shopping apps during the COVID-19 pandemic. A report by Brightpearl.com this fall suggested that Gen Z was planning to shop for the holidays via multiple mobile and social media channels, including Facebook, retailer's mobile apps, WhatsApp, Instagram, and YouTube.
As shoppers gravitate more towards mobile apps amidst the pandemic, retailers have stepped up their game by introducing new features to improve the mobile shopping experience. Macy's, for instance, revamped its app design and navigation in early October, and introduced livestream shopping. Later in October, Target added a "Forgot something?" button in its app, along with new features to boost its same-day delivery services.
- The pandemic has significantly impacted fashion culture, with a 40% increase in mobile shopping app engagement observed in 2020 compared to 2019, according to a report by Liftoff and Adjust.
- As more consumers shift towards mobile shopping, cybersecurity becomes a critical concern, especially with the rise in digital transactions.
- The rise of digital shopping has led to an update in AI-based systems for improving search and recommendation features in shopping apps, such as those offered by Amazon and Walmart.
- Policy makers are monitoring the impact of the pandemic on businesses closely, especially the retail sector, as it continues to dominate the list of most downloaded shopping apps.
- During the pandemic, there have been breaking news reports of AI-powered virtual fashion shows being held by luxury brands, showcasing their latest collections amidst lockdowns and travel restrictions.
- The weather, too, has an effect on consumer behavior and the markets, with some studies suggesting a correlation between warm temperatures and increased apparel sales.
- In the face of fierce competition within the retail sector, war for market share and consumer loyalty is escalating, with tech giants and retail leaders like Amazon, Walmart, and Target investing heavily in AI, tech, and TV ads to boost their consumer awareness.
- Meanwhile, news channels continue to update viewers on the latest developments in technology, including advancements in AI, cybersecurity, and mobile shopping apps, as the pandemic reshapes our culture and the business landscape.
