DALLAS, TX--(Marketwired - Aug 25, 2015) - Despite Texas' retail sales rising in July for the second month in a row -- according to the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas -- independent research shows brands aren't taking advantage of technology, which could dramatically improve consumers' mobile experience. More than half (54%) of consumers say retailers only "meet expectations" or "inconsistently meet expectations" when asked about brands' use of technology throughout the shopping experience. A mere 16 percent award retailers an "A," highlighting the need for retailers to make improvements to both their backend infrastructures and user-facing applications/portals.
Recent reports show Dallas-Fort Worth retail construction is expected to double in 2015, with more than 3.8 million square feet, according to The Weitzman Group. This year alone, Dallas-Fort Worth's retail space had an occupancy rate of 91 percent by mid-year, bringing North Texas closer to the region's highest occupancy rate in history. As North Texas sees a growing number of new and expanded retail developments throughout the rest of this year, retailers should choose technology solutions that enhance customers' ability to access information quickly, whether it's during the busy holiday shopping season or the middle of the night.
These are the findings of an independent study commissioned by Mobiquity, Inc. to look at the role technology plays in consumers' experiences. The full report can be downloaded here and infographic can be found here.
Expectations vs. reality
When asked what they should be able to do when shopping today, consumers' expectations are different than the reality of what they can currently do:
- Should: Earn/redeem loyalty points from his/her mobile phone (44%)
- Can: Only 31 percent of consumers claim they can do this today
- Should: Have the same look/feel across channels (in-store, Web, mobile) (39%)
- Can: Only 22 percent of consumers cite the same look/feel across channels (in-store, Web, mobile) exists today
- Should: Pay for a purchase with his/her mobile phone (33%)
- Can: Only 24 percent of consumers say that can pay for a purchase with his/her mobile phone today
In order to deliver on expectations, retailers should develop a forward-thinking culture of innovation and experimentation so that teams can adapt quickly to customers' needs, such as new loyalty programs or payment methods. Brands should develop/deploy an infrastructure that supports this innovation, one that can scale easily, is quick to deploy, and provides consistent user experiences for consumers via the web and across devices, regardless of mobile platform.
Retailers over promise, under deliver
Based on the findings, brands talk a good game, but there is a pretty serious disconnect between expectations and execution. Thirty-seven (37) percent of consumers feel retailers "over promise" but "under deliver" when it comes to the role technology plays in the overall shopping experience. Specifically, thirty-three (33) percent feel retailers' websites take too long to load on mobile, while thirty-one (31) percent think mobile payment technology is inconsistent, at best.
What ranks highest in shaping a consumer's experience with a retailer? Website load-times on mobile devices. And, with only 17 percent of consumers claiming to have a positive experience accessing retail websites via mobile, the findings reveal there are some pretty poor experiences taking place.
All mobile experiences are not created equal
According to the findings, today's consumers are frustrated with inconsistent experiences across mobile devices:
- Forty-five (45) percent of consumers say the user experience across devices is inconsistent and frustrating
- Thirty-six (36) percent choose to only use certain devices for certain activities -- those they feel are best-suited for each activity
Retailers should focus on what matters: customers. They should provide experiences that will positively differentiate them from the competition -- aiming to build mobile applications that will be easy to use and value-generating.
"These findings should come as a call to action to retailers," said Carlos Villarreal, general manager of the central region, Mobiquity. "Consumers seek positive experiences across all channels with their favorite brands. Retailers must take hold of the opportunity to align their mobile priorities with the goal of exceeding customer expectations. This process is often intimidating, but it's possible with the right partners who can help ensure the success of the initiative."
To access the full report, please visit: www.mobiquityinc.com/frustratedshopper-report-2015.
Methodology
Research for the "The Frustrated Shopper: Mobile/Technology Satisfaction Report" was conducted by Research Now, which, between Oct. 21 and Oct. 23 2014, surveyed 1,000 consumers.
About Mobiquity
Mobiquity is a mobile engagement provider creating innovative solutions that drive business value. Our recently expanded Dallas office serves local clients and partners by expertly and effectively blending the three key disciplines that unleash the power and innovation of mobile computing: strategy, user-centered design and core technology. Since inception in 2011, we have worked with more than 200 companies, including Dell Inc., CVS, Fidelity Investments, Ziggo, MetLife, the New York Post, Pfizer, Medavie Blue Cross, The Weather Channel, Putnam Investments, KPN, The Boston Globe and Weight Watchers International. To learn more, visit www.mobiquityinc.com.