GoMobile Solutions has always proclaimed the power of mobile apps to increase sales and develop customer loyalty for retail business. As this technology continues to develop more and more marketing research is being able to show how mobile apps can directly improve the bottom line. Now, a new recent economic reports show just how important these apps can truly be to the bottom line.

Retailers and restaurants are profiting from mobile apps by capturing buyers in real time

Enterprising retailers are constantly looking to invest in marketing strategies that can capture the attention and loyalty of the digital consumer. These days, the growing numbers of research studies are showing just how powerful mobile apps can help any retailer and restaurant accomplish this goal.

This month, the IBM Retail Online index, reported that retailers experienced a 15% growth in sales from mobile devices. These results are on top of the 13.3% increase that was reported in the first quarter of 2012.

By contrast the report showed that over these same three month period there was a 20% decline in sales that could be traced back to social media based marketing efforts. In other words, social media marketing didn’t improve the bottom line. Some commentators attributed this decline in social media due to the still evolving marketing component of social media.

This report and others clearly shows how consumers continue to embrace mobile devices as a shopping tool and will continue to for the foreseeable future.

Similarly, the U.S. Department of Commerce’’s Census Bureau announced its estimates of the U.S. retail and food services sales numbers. The good news is that June 2012 sales were up 3.8% over the same time last year. However, when comparing May 2012 to June 2012 it appears that retail sales had fallen 0.5%. Having the right technology in place will help any business maximize their profits.

What all this means

The mobile app has become the tool of choice for consumers. Those businesses that have adapted this technology are experiencing significant returns on their investments. Although more research is still funneling through, we do know that retailers and restaurants can definitely benefit from a mobile app.

The data also shows us why it is important for retailers and restaurants to take advantage of this technology during our current economic environment. Although, we are economically doing better than last year, all businesses will experience an economic air pocket from time to time.

By utilizing mobile apps as part of their overall marketing plan, businesses can continue to attract their share of clients and offset a lot of these challenges. The research is clearly demonstrating that not having this technology can now have an adverse impact on the viability of any business.

We invite you to learn more about mobile apps here at GoMobile Solutions and to continue to visit us for more on the mobile app industry and how it’s forever changing how the world connects. Your comments are welcome.