Mobile commerce (mCommerce) has established itself as a dominant force, continually evolving to meet the changing needs of consumers.
mCommerce sales reached $2.2 trillion in 2023, and now make up 60 percent of all eCommerce sales around the world. This growth is being driven by a number of factors, including the increasing popularity of smartphones, the growing availability of high-speed mobile internet, and the convenience of shopping on the go.
As mCommerce continues to grow, businesses need to be prepared to meet the demands of mobile shoppers. Here are some of the top mobile commerce trends to watch in 2024:
The rise of social commerce.
Social commerce continues to be influential. In 2022, social commerce sales reached $45.74 billion in the US, with more than half of the country’s adults purchasing social media.
As users increasingly turn to social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok for shopping inspiration, brands must adapt by integrating commerce features into their social media presence.
Instagram’s “Shop Now” Feature – Instagram’s integration of a “Shop Now” feature allows users to seamlessly discover and purchase products within the app, bridging the gap between social media and eCommerce.
The adoption of Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR).
Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) are set to revolutionise mCommerce in 2024, with $198 billion in estimated revenue by 2025. These technologies offer consumers interactive and immersive experiences, reducing the uncertainty associated with online purchases.
IKEA’s AR App – IKEA’s mobile app empowers users to virtually place furniture in their homes through AR. This immersive feature helps consumers visualise products and assess their suitability in their living spaces before making a purchase.
The demand for personalised shopping experiences.
More than half (60%) of consumers are more likely to become repeat buyers after a personalised shopping experience, so it’s not wrong to say that they are increasingly demanding personalised shopping experiences.
Businesses can meet this demand by using data analytics to collect information about their consumers’ preferences and then use this information to tailor their marketing and product offerings.
Zara’s Product Recommendations – The clothing retailer Zara uses data analytics to recommend products to consumers based on their past purchases.
The focus on sustainability.
Consumers are becoming more concerned about the environmental impact of their purchases. Nielsen reports that 81% of global consumers feel strongly that companies should help improve the environment.
Businesses can provide information about a product’s environmental footprint and sourcing to meet this demand.
Lush’s Sustainable Practices – The cosmetics company Lush has a commitment to sustainability. Lush uses recycled materials in its packaging, and it offsets its carbon emissions. This has helped Lush attract consumers who are concerned about the environment.
The rise of voice commerce.
Voice commerce, powered by virtual assistants like Siri and Alexa, is a type of eCommerce that allows consumers to make purchases using voice commands. This trend is growing in popularity, as it allows consumers to shop hands-free and quickly.
In 2022, voice-activated devices were predicted to facilitate $40 billion worth of transactions.
Amazon’s Echo Show – Amazon’s Echo Show allows users to add items to their shopping carts and complete purchases using voice commands, making shopping hands-free and convenient.
Key Takeaways
mCommerce in 2024 promises to be a dynamic and transformative space, driven by innovative technologies and evolving consumer preferences. Businesses that embrace these trends and offer exceptional user experiences will thrive in this ever-evolving landscape.
Whether through social integration, augmented reality, personalisation, voice commerce, or sustainability, these trends will be essential for staying competitive. As we anticipate the landscape of mCommerce in 2024, one thing is clear: it will continue to shape the future of shopping.
