The Top Shopping Apps Are...

Allison Howen
by Allison Howen 08 Aug, 2012
The Top Shopping Apps Are...

Mobile has changed the way we live.

From video games to photography, and even shopping - mobile devices have become an intricate part of every day life for many people.

In fact, a recent Nielsen study shows that 47 percent of American smartphone owners used shopping apps in June 2012. This is why it is important for Web workers to put a focus on mobile if they haven't already - especially merchants. This is particularly true because consumers aren't only using shopping apps as an alternate channel to make purchases, but are also using these applications as tools for researching products and locating items at local stores.

"Retailers are finding that consumers are willing to use smartphone apps to enhance their shopping experience, and this data shows usage of shopping apps is growing," says Don Kellogg, Director of Telecom Insights at Nielsen. "As more Americans use their smartphones while shopping and making purchases directly through apps, retailers should consider personalizing their targeted offerings around the needs of individual consumers." 

And while major ecommerce retailers, like eBay and Amazon, are also behind some of the most used smartphone shopping apps, this doesn't mean that other merchants can't learn from these retail-giants' mobile strategies. For example, eBay's app features daily deals on its homescreen, which is a good attention grabber for the deal-seeking consumer, while traditional retailers, like Target and Walgreens, drive consumers in stores with their apps by featuring tools that help consumers locate products at a nearby store.

For some more application inspiration, check out Nielsen's list of top 10 shopping apps from June 2012 below:

Allison Howen
Allison Howen
I'm a creative and adaptable journalist with experience in both print and digital media. Some of my best attributes include my social media management, writing and video editing skills. Skills: • Managing social media accounts with tools like HootSuite and Sprout Social • Creating and marketing content for print and digital media • Editing videos with software like Avid Media Composer • Composing articles with Adobe InCopy • Strong knowledge of AP Style • Skilled at interviewing and writing • Able to work on a deadline and produce quality results • Organized and detail oriented • Innovative problem solver