Insights

GPShopper, the leading mobile commerce and engagement platform for retailers that want to create custom app experiences for customers, released new research into consumers’ holiday shopping preferences and found that Americans that shop for gifts during the holidays prioritize convenience. Sixty-two percent said they would not wait in an hour-long line to purchase a gift and a majority (67 percent) of those interested in using tech in-store are interested in buying online and picking-up in-store to ease their experience this year.

In contrast to the many media reports claiming in-store shopping is dead, GPShopper's recent research uncovered that, in fact, it's still the preferred shopping method for a majority of Americans. As for shoppable social ads and subscription boxes? They didn't fare so well.

Other key takeaways from the 1,100+ consumers surveyed:

• 58% prefer to shop for clothing at long-standing physical stores over newer retailers.
  
  
• Only 7% became a repeat customer of a product they received in a subscription box.

At NRF's 2018 Big Show, technology like facial recognition and ‘Scan & Go’ shopping capabilities were at the forefront of the retail conversation. But consumer perception of this tech is mixed. Nearly half (49%) of shoppers do not think facial recognition will improve their shopping experience, but, conversely, nearly half (48%) of shoppers agree that ‘Scan & Go’ will make shopping easier.

GPShopper's latest consumer research uncovered not only consumer receptiveness of retail personalization trends, but also how they want these tactics employed during their shopping experiences.

Although consumers are increasingly becoming aware of the technology integrated into their shopping experiences, they are not embracing all of it. When discussing facial recognition, 45 percent of shoppers said they would be concerned about their privacy should it be used. Consumers are more positive toward ‘Scan & Go’ technology – nearly half (44%) would rather use ‘Scan & Go’ than wait in a check-out line. 

Whether you're launching a new app or trying to grow your user base, highlighting your app’s best features is crucial in convincing customers to download it.

Communicating the launch of your app to your current email database is a good first step in leveraging your loyal consumers across channels. You can also leverage social channels, in-store signage and associates, and your mobile web presence to best market your app.