Important things to consider when creating your retail app

The world of retail has become increasingly mobile-centric, with more companies developing mobile apps and investing in responsive web design. The global revenue generated by mobile retail commerce will reach $669 billion by the end of 2018 which is a huge increase from $98 billion in 2013. It’s important for retailers to take advantage of this mobile app business opportunity. Here are some of the important factors to take into account when creating an eCommerce app.

Native app vs PWA

You will need to consider your options when it comes to the specific type of mobile interface you’ll use. When it comes to apps, the two most viable options are native applications and progressive web apps. Native web apps can offer more in the way of optimisation and streamlined performance, however, PWAs can be more beneficial when it comes to brand promotion through social media. Both options have their benefits so consider what your priorities are and choose the best one for you.

Streamlined buyer journey

The buyer’s journey is a crucial part of any retail platform and can have a huge impact on conversion figures and overall sales. This journey is affected by a number of factors like app design and layout. It is important for the user to find their way around the app easily in order to browse your product line. Also, the level of information you require during the checkout process should be minimised to speed up the overall process and promote high retention levels.

Regular stock updates

Ensuring that your inventory figures are accurate is vital when it comes to any form of retail but it is particularly important on such a fast-moving mobile platform. Be sure to invest a lot of time and resources into creating a system that regularly updates the stock levels on your app in real-time and keeps it in line with physical stock levels.

Product gallery

While mobile shopping makes the buying process much quicker and easier for shoppers, it takes away the physical experience of seeing and feeling products. This is particularly important for things like clothes and fashion accessories. It’s important to provide your customers with as much information about your products as possible. This is where a sleek and detailed product gallery can increase the chance of conversion and reduce the risk of returns or refunds.