The retail industry is booming. A mobile app for retail is the latest must-have tool for e-commerce transactions and phenomenal sales. A mobile app for retail store operations is becoming a popular option, for not just retail shop owners, but entrepreneurs across the e-commerce industry as well. Retail mobile app development is also essential for large retail stores looking to expand further.
The retail app business revolves around mobile app features and functionalities, in the digital age. A retail mobile app is an essential factor for dominating the markets. Close to 50% of the most well-known retail brands have their own apps.
Starbucks, Walmart, Macy’s are some examples from abroad. Closer home, retail apps include Myntra, Jabong, FuturePay, and Grofer.
Why is retail mobile app development booming along with the e-commerce industry? As per Compuware’s report, close to 85% of individuals prefer deploying retail mobile apps as opposed to e-commerce websites. Retail mobile app statistics show 1 in 4 smartphone user searches on branded apps. For retail firms that do not develop a retail app store for business, losses will mount.
Multi-store retail brands looking to expand or one-stop e-commerce outlets can also benefit from retail mobile apps.
Now retail mobile apps are a necessity, not an option.
Why Retail Mobile App Development is Exploding So many different customer niches need to have a shopping app in place. Entrepreneurs: These are individuals who start or run a retail business and need to come up with an app for their brand. Retail Chains – Retail chains in several locations with the vision to expand the business should work on developing a retail app.
Brick and mortar retail stores: These may need to develop apps for their retail business to acquire mobility. Retail apps improve the buying process, enriching the in-store experience for customers and establishing ways to stay in touch. Whether retailers or entrepreneurs need apps, mobile or smartphone first apps are a must,
Research shows 30% of all online purchases are made through smartphones.
Mobile App Versus Website
Whether it’s Android or iOS app development, mobile apps beat websites. The trend of purchasing online is growing by 5-10 percent annually.
Developing retail store app profits any kind of retail business, from food to clothes.
One reason for higher mobile app usage is better user experience.
Must-Have Features of Retail Apps
Retail mobile app features directly depend on the kind of retail business there is. So, if more relevant features are needed for implementing in the retail app, experts need to understand business requirements and provide retail app development strategies for growing business.
1 Product Catalog
Smartphone shoppers are attracted to retail apps with impressive product catalogs to place an order from. While developing a product catalog, user experience and user interface are very important. Available products smartphone users can order and deploy in the app itself should be extensive.
While developing retail store apps, these are the essential components:
- Price checker or comparison feature: It permits users to compare or check prices of similar products.
- Product preview: It helps customers to check all types of products before placing an order. Augmented reality and 3D technologies can be used for better results.
2 User Profile
Users must have a list of choices from guest check-ins to detailed profiles. By knowing user preferences through the profile, you can serve what is liked and purchased.
3 Product Listing
The app also must-have features for listing products. Each listed product needs to be tagged with descriptions. This helps in making informed user decisions regarding projects.
4 Customized Search
A retail app offers a customized search option to provide users exactly what they want. The entire website cannot be searched for the product they seek. Users can search specific products or categories on the basis of brands and price ranges which are deemed fit.
In case the retail business offers many products, zeroing down to the right one can be difficult without a search filter. Search functionalities are essential in finding products easily.
5 Filters and Sorting
For each retail mobile apps, there are useful tools for managing product catalogs.
While the sorting feature enables a change in the way products are shown on the screen, this can serve to see the cheapest and most affordable options first or browse the highest rated products.
These filters are useful when users seek to choose products fitting certain requirements.
5 Checkout Option
Retail apps work just like supermarkets, Customers need to pay online at the checkout screen. That’s the only difference.
Users should be able to avail multiple payment methods while making a purchase from the retail app. Restricting users to single or dual payment modes can trigger customer churn,
6 Push Notifications
These can be customized to notify users about orders made, payment made, offers, discounts, price reduction in searched products and any other aspect users need to know about.
Conclusion
Retail mobile app cost depends on whether you’re opting for customized solutions or not. With Sankalp, you can be assured quality retail mobile apps that work flawlessly and offer an impressive array of features and functionalities.