Technological innovations drive the direction that a business goes in. In retail, technology is changing the way that customers shop. Mobile devices enable consumers to quickly and thoroughly compare competitors’ prices for comparable products. The increased accessibility of retailers through mobile devices influences the way that customers shop.

On July 1, 2014, CFI Group published its most recent Retail Satisfaction Barometer. The publication provides retail enterprises with a new perspective on customer expectations and shopping trends. Mobile application use was quantified among the statistics encompassed by the study. The barometer found that 67 percent of customers in the 18-34 year old age demographic use mobile applications to improve their shopping experience.

By providing customers with mobile accessibility to information ranging from pricing to inventory, a retailer enhances the purchasing experience. Improving a customer’s shopping experience can bring an influx of revenue in from an age demographic that is vital to spending in a consumer driven economy. In a press release, Terry Redding, Vice President of sales and marketing at CFI Group spoke to the influence mobile applications have on customers.

“Customers want to receive tailored communications, not only to see that retailers are showing an interest in them, but for quick accessibility and convenience.” said Redding.

Accessibility and convenience are important attributes for a retailer to exude. E-Commerce is a growing avenue for customers to purchase goods. As such, having a mobile presence is important to provide customers with incentives that will encourage them to shop through an enterprises mobile application or website.

Management Information Analysis can help retailers with a means to benefit from the increased presence of e-commerce in their industry. We can facilitate the back-end systems integration needed to sell goods through multiple channels, which allows retailers to provide their customers with the streamlined online shopping experience they want on a mobile platform.