Retailers need a mobile strategy

"The mobile phone is set to be the on-the-go shopper's most indispensable tool.
For retailers, it’s no longer enough to have an ecommerce strategy — businesses need to embrace a mobile strategy as well."
Heather Barson, Steria UK retail sector director

 The last two years has seen a surge in smart phone sales. This surge has seen internet usage move significantly away from PCs and onto phones and tablets.

As smart phone sales continue and people use the internet 'on the go', this space is only set to go further. Many researches are comparing the trends of phone internet usage (called mcommerce or mobile commerce) to that of the internet, and see mobile as the future for retail.

The good news for retailers is that unlike the internet, mobile actually brings the shoppers back into the store. Where the internet takes away your sales and has people purchase online, mobile allows you to interact with the customer and provide information, offers and specials that draw them in.

The key to mobile is to make your site a true company branded mobile app that is simple, designed specifically for the phone (a website is too big for a phone, you need a cut-down mobile site) and interacts with the customer.

At Swim®, we have been watching the mobile movement for some time now, and are pleased to announce that we have teamed up with the latest technology companies to be able to provide you with your very own, company branded mobile loyalty app.

What this means is your company can have it's very own mobile website with customer loyalty program. The app can be run stand-alone, or with Swim®, so your customers can see on their phone their current loyalty points balance, your latest products, announcements, and special offers. Also in the app is a store locator (with GPS locator to tell them how to get to your store from their current position) and ability to push notifications to the customer, as well as email and SMS the customer. The app can be used on any type of smart phone or tablet, and includes your company logo as an icon on the customers phone's home screen.

With mobile apps being the next wave, we would encourage all jewellers to look now, into having their own mobile app.

Orders are being taken now, and will give you an mobile app release in time for Christmas promotions and trading.

If you are interested in knowing more, email sales@octahedron.com.au