comScore calls attention to the state of online retail in the U.S.
Last week, comScore, a leading digital business analytics firm, released data concerning the state of the shift away from desktop computers that is being seen in the U.S. The company’s report, which is titled “The State of the U.S. Online Retail Economy in Q2 2012,” provides insight on a number of trends that are emerging in the U.S. and aims to provide information concerning the impact of mobile commerce, shopping, and online retail. The report suggests that mobile technology is beginning to become a more important part in the lives of consumers and, in terms of retail, may eventually replace traditional stores.
Mobile commerce beating out traditional forms of retail
The report shows that e-commerce sales have grown by 15% in the second quarter of 2012. This growth dwarfs that seen in traditional, physical stores, which experience a 2% increase in sales during the same period. Approximately 9% of all e-commerce sales in the U.S. came from mobile devices. comScore suggests that this growth is due to the rise in ownership of tablets. The report shows that tablet owners are more apt to engage in e-commerce than smart phone owners and have responded well to mobile shopping and commerce initiatives.
Apple leads Amazon in e-commerce space
comScore notes that in terms of e-commerce, Apple leads Amazon. iPad owners have shown a higher level of engagement in e-commerce than Kindle owners. Apple has shown a keen interest in all things doing with m-commerce, a realm that Amazon had expected to dominate because of its long history in e-commerce. Amazon, however, seems to have missed the mark in providing consumers with adequate e-commerce solutions. Apple, on the other hand, has been able to provide services that consumers have found useful.
Mobile commerce expected to continue gaining momentum with the help of tablets
Mobile commerce is becoming an important industry, especially as more consumers get their hands on high-tech mobile devices. Apple is poised to play a strong role in the emerging industry and may be able to beat out those that have long occupied the space, such as Amazon. Tablets are likely to continue being a popular tool for e-commerce in the coming years.
