Research by Apadmi suggests that almost half of UK consumers use retail apps as primary way to shop. The 2024 Retail App Report has surveyed 1000 UK shoppers to investigate how consumers interact with retail apps. The importance of retail apps in shaping today’s shopping landscape cannot be underestimated. What was once an alternative way to shop has become an everyday essential tool in the consumer’s journey.
The report suggests:
- Nearly half of shoppers use retail apps as their main shopping channel.
- 71% of shoppers believe retail apps could be improved.
- Retail app consumers have a number one preference for loyalty programmes.
- Almost 1 in 5 shoppers say that a slow or non-responsive interface makes them want to delete an app.
- Ecommerce giant Amazon crowned the leader of the Retail App Space
But how do customers engage with retail apps, and what are the general public’s opinions towards such technologies? In a survey of 1,000 shoppers, a recent study by mobile specialist Apadmi highlights just this.
Retail apps to the fore
It seems that retail apps are well and truly dominating the consumers’ lives, with nearly half of respondents (45.5%) categorising them as their primary shopping channel.
In contrast, the traditional in-store experience has diminished to an 11% preference rate, demonstrating the seismic shift towards digital.
Still room for improvement: The shopper wish list
While retail apps have become an essential method in the shopping experience for many consumers. 71% of respondents say that retail apps could be improved.
Loyalty programmes are the most required feature of retail apps with 20% of respondents highlighting their importance. Shoppers seek more than just transactions from retail apps. they seek a relationship that rewards their loyalty.
This is followed closely by price comparison options (18%) and faster loading times (15%).
The problem with bad app design
Almost one in five (19%) respondents cite slow or non-responsive interfaces as their top frustration, highlighting the critical need for speed and efficiency in app design.
19% of users are put off by low-quality or missing product imagery. This reinforces the importance of visual appeal and information in the online shopping experience.
Furthermore, 16% of shoppers report abandoning apps with complicated payment and checkout processes. This reveals a clear preference for simplicity and ease of use.
Retail app royalty: The crowned winner
Apadmi’s report also unveils some interesting findings on the key trends in the retail space.
Unsurprisingly, eCommerce giant Amazon sits comfortably at the top of retail app popularity in the UK, with 646 mentions. Amazon’s success is largely due to an unparalleled user experience. This is aligned to a vast selection of products, personalised recommendations, and a frictionless purchasing process.
Marcus Hadfield, Chief Strategy Officer at Apadmi said, “Retailers have an unprecedented opportunity to harness the power of digital platforms to connect with their customers in meaningful ways. The key to success lies in continuous improvement and adapting to consumer expectations with agility.”
Enterprise Times: What this means for businesses
The retail sector is continually evolving due to changing consumer tastes and behaviours. Consumers have totally embraced retail apps as a key method for online buying. As a result, the importance of retail apps is clear. What was once an alternative way to shop has become an essential tool in the consumer’s journey. They blend the convenience of online browsing with the immersive experience of in-store shopping, all in the palm of your hand.
This evolution from physical to digital platforms reflects a broader shift in consumer expectations. Retail apps are now at the heart of modern shopping habits. This is an interesting report that outlines what draws consumers in, keeps them coming back, and where their frustrations lie with retail apps.
I totally agree with the report’s suggestion that the retail landscape is undergoing a profound transformation. The rise of retail apps as a primary shopping channel is undeniable. This shift is not merely a change in consumer preference. It is a revolution in how shopping is conducted, experienced, and valued.
