US Retailers Go Mobile: Black Friday Online Shopping Revolution
Written by Black Hot Fire Network on November 28, 2024
What’s going on here?
Black Friday is moving to mobile, with major US retailers like Walmart and Target spearheading the trend as app-based shopping becomes the go-to for early Thanksgiving deals.
What does this mean?
To meet the growing demand for convenient shopping, Walmart and Target are closing their physical stores on Thanksgiving and directing customers to their improved mobile apps. This tactic is driven by Gen Z’s preference for mobile over traditional shopping. As a result, mobile transactions are expected to make up 53% of all online holiday spending in November and December. Retailers are integrating payment methods like Google Pay and Apple Pay and enhancing their apps with features like loyalty programs. Meanwhile, Amazon is joining the fray by introducing innovations like the AI chatbot Rufus and app-exclusive deals through Amazon Haul. According to Salesforce, high-value mobile purchases are increasing, highlighting a significant change in consumer shopping habits.
Why should I care?
For markets: Shopping’s new frontier.
The boom in mobile shopping is transforming the retail landscape, prompting companies to invest in mobile-first technologies. This adaptation not only caters to the growing preference for mobile transactions but is crucial for gaining market share in a digital-first world. Retailers like Roxy from Boardriders are already witnessing higher transaction values via apps compared to mobile websites, indicating a key trend post-pandemic.
The bigger picture: Tech integration is essential.
The rise in mobile shopping reflects larger global trends of integrating technology into daily business operations. As consumers continue to sidestep holiday crowds, retailers with advanced mobile strategies are better equipped to meet the demand. This shift highlights the retail sector’s broader digital transformation, suggesting a future where app-based shopping becomes the norm, similar to the quick uptake seen across various tech-driven service industries.
