3 retailers leading the way

Did you know that more than 50% of consumers prefer branded apps to any other shopping channel?

In the age of online shopping, app-based commerce has become a key driver of success for many brands across the globe.

In fact, according to a marketing study by Top Design Firms, about 48% of startups and small businesses invested in app development in 2022 alone for a more interactive digital experience for their customers.

Some brands are killing it with their mobile apps. They’re creating user-friendly apps that appeal to customers and their growing smartphone shopping habits, and using augmented reality to create immersive, engaging experiences that customers love.

How do these look? Warby Parker’s AR frames

For eyewear fanatics, sometimes there just aren’t enough choices at the optician’s. If you’re desperate to purchase the specs everyone is talking about, but are nervous about making the leap, Warby Parker has you covered.

Their mobile shopping app has an AR-generated try-on feature, so customers can try on the eyewear brand’s latest frames from the comfort of their living room.

By giving customers the ability to see how different sizes, shapes and colors look on their face, the feature gives them the confidence to purchase.

The online try-on feature also can help reduce returns, which are a big problem for online retailers. Many brands are incorporating AR and AI to help online shoppers find the right fit and reduce returns.

Finding the right shade: Sephora’s Virtual Artist

Sephora Virtual Artist has become one of the key retailers in the AR field with their immersive makeup app. The beauty brand, which is known for going the extra mile for personalization, allows customers to try out products on their mobile device before making a purchase.

From trying different shades of lipstick to experimenting with new lash styles, the Virtual Artist app helps consumers feel confident when making a purchase from their sofa.

Built with an easy-to-use interface, facial recognition software, and packed full of filters, discounts and exclusive deals, this app leads the way in the beauty field.

Virtual Artist also drives customer engagement for Sephora by encouraging customers to share their experiences with the tool on social media channels.

One-stop-shop: Walmart’s mobile app

Another key player in mobile shopping market is Walmart. As the most visited American store, it’s no wonder that the retail giant has a hefty, multi-functional shopping app.

The app allows customers to view store information in live updates, create shopping lists and even compare the best deals. As an application of convenience, it has become a pocket-held pal for its customers in the states.

According to Statista, Walmart’s shopping app had the most active monthly users in the US in 2021, ahead of Amazon’s app. An average of 120 million users accessed the Walmart app each month.

In 2020, Walmart merged its grocery app into its flagship app, giving customers one place to shop for fresh groceries, household supplies, clothing, and more. Walmart fast-tracked the integration of the apps during the pandemic, when online shopping exploded.

What’s next for mobile shopping?

As consumer trends continue to become more mobile and our world more virtual, mobile shopping will see a great transformation in the coming years.

Mobile commerce is expected to grow rapidly, accounting for over 10% of retail sales in the US by 2025, more than double what it was before COVID, according to eMarketer estimates.

From AR and VR-powered shopping to browsing in the metaverse, mobile apps are just the beginning of a new online high street.