Nº03

July 2024

Tapping into the Benefits of Mobile Commerce

Find out how mobile use is moving the retail experience forward

In the realm of e-commerce, a significant shift is underway as mobile devices become the primary vehicle for online purchases.

Now known as mobile commerce, or m-commerce, this new means of business is transforming the way consumers shop and pay while influencing online merchants and shaping the future of retail.

In response, businesses are optimizing their sites and apps for mobile use, implementing mobile-friendly payments, and leveraging mobile marketing to engage on-the-go customers.

Lucija Capan

Marketing Coordinator, eCommerce, Nexi Group

How mobile commerce is shaping eCommerce

There are many driving forces behind the mobile commerce revolution, mostly coming from consumer demand and behaviour.

Consumers are increasingly drawn to the convenience and ease of shopping from their smartphones, eliminating the need for desktop computers.

Mobile payment apps have further fueled this trend, offering seamless and secure payment options that streamline the checkout process.

Adapting to mobile demand

The adoption of mobile commerce is particularly pronounced in the Nordic region, where mobile payment apps like Swish, Vipps, and MobilePay have gained widespread popularity, becoming integral to the digital shopping experience.

MobilePay, Denmark’s dominant payment app, has rapidly become the second most popular payment option for online shoppers.

Sweden and Norway follow suit, with Swish and Vipps respectively gaining significant traction in their respective markets.

For online merchants, embracing mobile commerce has become a necessity rather than a choice. Offering mobile-friendly payment options is crucial for capturing the growing mobile shopping audience and reducing cart abandonment rates. For many consumers, these apps provide a seamless and familiar payment experience, increasing customer satisfaction and boosting conversion rates.

The impact of mobile commerce extends beyond payment options. Retailers must ensure that their websites and apps are optimized for mobile devices, providing a user-friendly and intuitive shopping experience. Responsive design, fast loading times, and easy navigation are essential to cater to the mobile-first shopping habits of today’s consumers. You can find out more in our article Keeping Conversion Front and Center.

Social Commerce and the future of shopping

It’s clear how mobile commerce is directly tied to the emerging trend of social commerce and social payments as well. Social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest are integrating payment prompts and “buy buttons” that allow shoppers to make purchases without leaving their social media feeds. Additionally, many retailers are implementing one-click checkout options, further streamlining the payment process.

With the growing influence of tech-savvy Millennials and Gen Zers, mobile commerce is poised to play an increasingly significant role in shaping consumer shopping habits for years to come.

These digitally native generations are most comfortable using their smartphones for a wide range of activities, especially shopping.

Their spending power and preference for mobile devices make them a key target audience for m-commerce strategies.

According to Statista, almost 60% of all e-commerce sales around the world are done over mobile e-commerce. For brands, understanding and integrating into this mobile-centric world isn’t just an advantage—it’s a necessity to remain relevant and resonant with the consumers of tomorrow.

Embracing the mobile commerce revolution

The future of mobile commerce is bright, with projections indicating continued growth in its share of total retail sales. As mobile technology advances and consumers become increasingly reliant on their smartphones, m-commerce is expected to revolutionize the way the world shops, potentially blurring the lines between online and offline retail experiences.

For businesses, adapting to the m-commerce revolution is important for remaining competitive and evolving to meet the needs of savvy mobile-centric consumers. By embracing mobile payment options, optimizing websites and apps for mobile devices, and understanding the preferences of mobile-first consumers, businesses can effectively navigate the evolving e-commerce landscape and thrive in the mobile commerce era.

A study by Insider Intelligence anticipates that retail m-commerce sales will account for 43.4% of total retail ecommerce sales in 2023, up from 41.8% in 2022.