Mobile Commerce

Limelight Networks today released research confirming that mobile shopping is becoming an increasingly significant factor in driving sales and overall brand affinity. The survey results prove that retailers who create smooth, rich mobile experiences can increase conversions and build their brands with consumers purchasing on their mobile devices, on their computers and in the store.

Gap has deployed the Google Wallet pay-by-smartphone capability in more than 65 of its California stores, joining leading retailers including Macy's, OfficeMax, Toys"R"Us and American Eagle in using the technology. Gap is promoting usage of the app with a 15 percent discount off customers' entire purchase through February 2012.

Overstock.com announced the launch of its free O.co iPad application. The new application can be found on the iTunes website and will carry the same product selection that is available on the Overstock.com website. 

Williams-Sonoma is the first omnichannel retailer to enable consumers to purchase and send electronic gift cards with their smartphones. Working with CashStar, the retailer is adding the ability to purchase and send e-gift cards via all five of its brands' mobile websites.

PBS and CellPoint Mobile have unveiled a fully integrated mobile shop for PBS Kids products. The e-commerce platform features merchandise from PBS Kids programs including "Sesame Street," "Curious George," "Super Why," "Dinosaur Train," "Sid the Science Kid," "Martha Speaks" and "Cat in the Hat."

Wal-Mart has launched new applications for the iPhone and iPad designed to give its consumers tools to plan their weekly shopping trips as well as a new way to access the retailer both in-store and online.

IBM’s Coremetrics Benchmark report says that mobile retail traffic will more than double this holiday season. During this year’s November holiday season, an unprecedented 15 percent of people in the U.S. logging onto a retailer’s website are expected to do so through a mobile device, says IBM.

Paul Fredrick announced the launch of a smartphone-optimized website that creates a rich and unique mobile shopping experience for consumers whether at home or on the go.

Mobile users will give you a lot of leeway on things like design and user interface. What they don’t have tolerance for? Slower-than-death websites. Users expect your mobile site to load fast — within just a few seconds — which means that you’ll likely need to keep your page weights low.

A recent Retrevo Pulse study asked shoppers about their in-store experiences and how they use their mobile phones when they shop. The findings indicate a change will be necessary in the way retailers accommodate these savvy new shoppers.