The accessories industry is reaping the benefits of a smartphone shopping boom. Digital market reporter comScore said that 38% of smartphone users have made at least one purchase from their device, and of those 37% purchased accessories or apparel items.
The clothing sales are only bested by sales of digital content. Sales of MP3s, eBooks, television programs, and movies accounted for 47% of smartphone purchases.
Sales are only one part of the total shopping picture though. Around two-thirds of smartphone users performed other shopping related tasks on their devices, including comparing products and their prices, snapping pictures of products, locating retail stores, and searching for coupons.
While smartphones are handy for accessing information on the go, 56% of smartphone shoppers made their purchases at home. 42% made their purchases at work or while enjoying leisure activities, while 37% took the opportunity to shop during their daily commute.
The rise of smartphone shoppers hasn’t done away with the need for bricks and mortar stores though. More than a third of shoppers made purchases while in stores, perhaps after making price comparisons and trying on apparel to be sure of just the right fit.
The success of the accessories industry in this brave new frontier highlights the way this sector is successful engaging its customers with the new medium. Customer experience analytics firm ForeSee recently reported that websites selling apparel, footwear, and accessories provide the most satisfying customer experiences, while sites hawking computers, cell phone accessories, and other electronics need to lift their game.
I must admit, I can’t imagine indulging in a handbag before feeling its leather and slinging it over my shoulder, but perhaps it’s time I embraced this new technology. Have you?
[Image Source: Kartik Malik/Flickr]
