7 Reasons Why Retail Businesses Should Invest In Mobile Apps

There’s no denying that digital technology plays a massive role in how businesses today operate. There’s a host of digital programs aimed at simplifying day-to-day operations – you have workforce tracking software, accounting software, project management software and many others.

It’s worth noting as well that majority of man’s activities now are directly tied to technology, especially with how powerful mobile devices have become. Studies show that an estimated 10 billion mobile connected devices are currently in use. By 2020, the number will increase to around 11.6 billion.

Due to people’s great reliance on digital technology, it’s imperative for retail businesses to design services that cater to this human behavior. High-performing websites are definitely a must, but to make profitable transactions even more convenient, mobile apps should definitely be considered.

Mobile Apps for Retail Businesses

Although responsive websites display quickly enough on mobile devices, mobile apps are better because they’re designed precisely for faster action. Likewise, apps are created to make it easier for consumers to take advantage of special provisions in a timely manner. With just a few clicks, you can complete a purchase using a discount code or snag a free delivery deal.

Apps for retail businesses are set up in such a manner that you can do what you need to do with fewer steps. They’re focused on customer use – not SEO or some other digital marketing strategy.

Top Benefits That Retail Businesses Can Derive from Mobile Apps

1.     A higher quality of customer service and care is provided.

As mentioned earlier, processes are accomplished faster due to fewer steps. Plus, apps offer timely updates on special promos and deals.

2.     Purchases are safer.

Apps are designed with multilevel security features to ensure a safe transaction each and every time. There are usually fewer risks in completing payments with apps than on a website.

3.     Messaging is faster and easier.

Retail business can really boost their customer engagement, build a relationship of trust, and secure those sales.

Reliable communication is key to the success of any business, and with an app that has a fast messaging feature, such marketing goals are made easily achievable.

4.     Apps display merchandise in a highly “viewable” manner.

App developers pay great attention to making shopping for the right product a breeze. It’s all about easy processes, so they can make the app a true source of convenience for all users.

It’s important to note, though, that style is never compromised; product displays are always kept stylishly appealing and in line with the brand’s aesthetics.

5.     Apps can be created to increase the value of products for sale.

An ideal example would be Ikea’s mobile app that can be used with its physical product catalog. The store’s app allows customers to pick the perfect piece of furniture or appliance for their home. The AR app takes the guesswork out of buying the ideal Ikea furniture. The most recent version doesn’t even use the catalog anymore, and it scales products with 98 percent accuracy.

All retail businesses can be as creative as they want to be to make their app powerfully establish the value of the products they’re selling. There’s nothing like fully established value to lock in sales.

6.     They can be a source of extra revenue for the business.

High-performing mobile apps come with a price. Retail businesses can sell the app to customers and not only recoup the expenses of having them made, but also generate extra income from the price attached to the app.

Most people these days wouldn’t mind the small price to pay for their convenience and some perks. As such, apps can really become extra income generators for the business.

7.     Mobile apps can help edge out the competition.

Despite the popularity of mobile app development for retail businesses, not all enterprises automatically pick up and utilize it. Being the first (or one of the few) that does can help outperform the competition in terms of customer engagement and loyalty, brand image, and sales.

The dependence people have on mobile devices and programs is only expected to grow as the technology continues to accurately address the consumers’ growing requirements. It would be unwise not cater to such a development. So if you’re an owner of a growing retail business, developing a mobile app to serve your customers better is certainly an investment worth making.

AUTHOR BIO

Ayham Gorani

Director, Alpha-Apps FZ LLC

Fueled by the firm belief that the Arab World has great potential and great content, Ayham founded Alpha Apps in 2011 in Abu Dhabi. His goal is to bring the Arabic apps industry and content forward to an international and competitive level. Ayham is also a start-up mentor, helping entrepreneurs launch successful app projects and investing in app companies in the region.