The world’s biggest sales days of the year are just a few short weeks away. What was once known for long lines, mall melees, and slammed shopping centers has now largely shifted to the internet. With the addition of Cyber Monday in recent years, many companies are now seeing ecommerce as a way to successfully navigate the changing retail landscape. This year’s unofficial holidays will be a great opportunity for businesses to make up for lost sales due to challenging lockdowns and shortages. We’ve chosen to highlight some key Black Friday ecommerce statistics to provide context ahead of this important date.
Statista notes that the average American spends at least 5 hours on their smartphone every day. This means that if businesses wish to be competitive, they must attract and adapt to these users’ preferences. In fact, mobile retail commerce is expected to comprise over 72% of all ecommerce sales in 2021, and eMarketer suggests that mobile commerce grew by almost 30% in 2020 alone. This is likely because many physical stores have closed their doors due to less foot traffic, showing a greater need for digital storefronts. Consumers tend to respond positively to more flexibility and 24/7 access to their favorite brands. This rising demand for mobile ecommerce options presents a stellar chance for retailers to capitalize on mobile apps and optimized online stores.
A growing number of buyers are seeking out mobile apps to do their shopping. About 50% more ecommerce apps were downloaded in the first 6 months of 2021 than the same period last year. Data suggests that 95% of Macy’s app users in the U.S. intend to use the store’s app for their holiday purchases. Amazon and Walmart mobile app users expressed similar feelings, at 85% and 73%, respectively. This trend comes as no surprise, and is great news if you already have a business app with a built-in store or are looking to build one in the near future. Platforms like Shopify make it easy for almost anyone to get started, as they integrate well with many effective app designs.
Mobile-optimized online stores are great resources for consumers. They allow for easy browsing, simple customization, and seamless payment across a wide age range. Not only are they helpful for users, they also benefit businesses, too. Google recently conducted research which found that when consumers interact with a brand’s website and mobile app together, their average order values were over 30% higher. What’s more, their loyalty seemed to improve, as well, leading to increased customer lifetime values. Shoppers love options, and this fact is widely reflected by trend data. Offering multiple channels to your customer base is a great way to ensure they remain loyal for many years to come.
Online shopping is the new normal, believe it or not. Brands across various industries are investing in more personalized ecommerce experiences. McKinsey asserts that 10 years’ worth of ecommerce growth occurred in the first quarter of 2020 alone. Also, data from Shopify suggests that 84% of consumers shopped online at some point during the pandemic. Personalization is another trend “too lucrative to ignore.” Consumers indicate their interest in future online shopping, preferring brands that offer free shipping, delivery tracking, and are environmentally conscious. Nearly 3 in 4 U.K. and U.S businesses surveyed expect significant growth in mobile, email, loyalty programs, and conversational marketing by year’s end.
The digital shift in commerce is apparent for those with eyes to see it. The potential for user-friendly websites and mobile apps to boost sales and customer loyalty must not be overlooked. Businesses across all industries and at every scale can benefit from this opportunity if they position themselves for success moving forward. If your website needs an online store or you’re interested in building your own ecommerce app, please contact us for more information. We’d be honored to help you make the most of these exciting trends.
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