How Mobile App Can Help Retail Stores in 2023

by Tech Trendz Writer

There's an app for everything. Digital transformation in retail includes strategic adoption and the use of multiple technologies, including mobile applications. Mobile apps have helped create new and innovative business models that take advantage of digital technologies to pursue improved revenue streams and business opportunities. Mobile apps enhance customer experience and enable companies to manage their retail operations more efficiently.

Benefits of mobile apps for retail stores

Providing a seamless experience - A mobile-first retail strategy is now a must-have for businesses to survive. Connecting with offline and online channels helps engage customers at all the touchpoints in their retail purchase journey, helping create a seamless shopping experience.

In-app rewards - Mobile apps can promote offers and earn loyalty points. These loyalty points earned using in-app or in-store purchases can be redeemed for discounts or purchases. Such personalized experiences help increase customer loyalty. A mobile app helps recollect the brand name easily. Loyalty programs make users feel special and increase their interest in using the app.
Linking purchases - Linking the in-app and in-store purchases with a customer account enables businesses to send personalized offers and recommend products based on purchase patterns.

Convenience - Mobile app shopping allows businesses to understand their customers. Browsing patterns, likes, wishlists & purchases generate ways that can be used for data analytics. The insights generated by such analytics can be used to guide customer purchases and offer personalized customer experiences.
Content-focused apps - To nurture customer relationships, mobile apps can focus on educating customers, such as giving workout routines or showcasing food recipes. The apps can guide customers to make in-app purchases, inspiring them to buy company products.
Chatbots - AI chatbots are already transforming ways to communicate with customers and provide services across multiple channels 24/7. This consistent and on-demand help can encourage customers to keep using the app. Expand the customer base - Mobile apps enable the expansion of the geographical boundaries for sale. The target customer base increases, and the app helps reach out to them by sending personalized messages or nudging them through the app. This encourages brand awareness and improves engagement with customers.
Billing and payments - Simplicity in bill payments has been one of the key advantages of app development. Payment gateways are the critical parts of a retail app. Integrating payment gateways is essential and makes it convenient for patients to pay online.
Data collection - Data collection is continuous, and mobile apps actively collect data. The data can be actively used for analytics and providing relevant information in real-time.

To summarize, the pros of mobile apps for retail are -

Mobile apps help keep the retail brand in prominence.
Mobile apps can increase brand loyalty and retention.
An app enables retail brands to showcase their products, services and offers.
Apps give a better customer experience.
Data captured by apps helps generate informative analytics that enables brands to make informed decisions.
A mobile app replaces physical catalogs or brochures.

Disadvantages of Mobile Apps For Retail Stores:-

Some of the disadvantages of mobile apps compared to a more modern and efficient solution like PWA or progressive web apps are -

Mobile apps cannot replace a website - Mobile apps have been fantastic tools for retail businesses to engage customers by offering reward programs and more. But, running a successful retail brand requires a website. Running and maintaining a website and a mobile app can be costly and may not be affordable for every retail brand.
Updation and maintenance - Mobile apps and websites must be updated regularly to ensure compliance, eliminate hacking threats, add new products or services, etc. Since it's not possible to have applications running on only one system, Android or iOS, different sets of developers need to be tasked for updation and maintenance.
Application store listing - There are a few hidden mobile app development and maintenance costs. Apple App Store and Google Play Store require different app listing fees. Some restrictions like quality and type of build are also checked before the apps are listed on these stores. App stores also demand regular app updates and there are approval processes for updated applications. Many apps can be rejected due to noncompliance, regulations, privacy policies etc.
Finding applications within the store - Many applications do not make it to the first download or do not get enough traction to be downloaded. Low number of downloads can create different sets of problems like no reviews, , no visibility and ultimately being forced out of the playstore.

Examples of Easy-To-Use Retail Apps

Gap - Gap's in-stock solution allows customers to check the stock at the nearest GAP store. Using intuitive navigation, the app lets users quickly select different options for the required item and find out which store they can pick the item(s) from.
IKEA - The IKEA Kreativ is an AR/VR tool that makes selecting items a breeze. It works perfectly with the IKEA app to intelligently generate 3D images. It is powered by AI, allowing users to view selected furniture as it looks in the actual premises. This helps customers know how the products would look when placed in a real-life environment before buying.

In conclusion, mobile apps have become more and more engaging and effective tools for the retail sector with their innovative features and customer-centric approach. An experienced mobile app development service company can help retail brands offer effective solutions to drive their business and gain maximum traction from these apps.