Two factors ensure holiday shopping app success

A new survey reveals the most important aspects of a mobile holiday shopping experience for consumers.

According to a survey of more than 12,000 consumers in 12 countries, including the U.S., from Cisco App Dynamics, 78% of respondents regard the experience they get when using a shopping app as equally important as the deals on offer during seasonal sales and key shopping dates such as Black Friday, Cyber Monday or Singles Day.

In addition, almost all (95%) respondents said that it is important that shopping apps and digital services provide a fast and seamless experience without any delays or disruption.

However, due to rising costs of living and uncertain economic outlook, retailers still need to ensure that they also offer strong mobile deals and discounts to holiday shoppers. Ninety-five percent of respondents said that it is more important for them to find great deals and low prices this year, and 85% will rely on brands offering deals and discounts this year more than ever before.

In addition, 81% of respondents said they usually wait for major online shopping dates (such as Christmas) to take advantage of discounts and low-cost deals.

Other notable findings include:

• 92% of respondents feel that it's important for retailers to provide regular updates on the status of online purchases, given ongoing supply chain issues and increased anxiety around receiving holiday gifts on time.
• 73% of respondents won’t take any excuse for poor online experiences.
• 63% of respondents said that if the applications and digital services they will use to find deals this holiday season fail to perform, it will leave them feeling anxious and angry.
• 64% of respondents that retail brands will have one shot to impress them this holiday season, and if their digital service or application does not perform well, they won’t use it again.
• At the first sign of a problem while using an app, almost three-quarters of respondents will turn their back and walk away, possibly never to return.

Oracle Retail: Price, delivery motivate holiday shoppers
A recent survey of global consumers from Oracle Retail indicates cost, as well as supply chain efficiency, are key to bringing in holiday revenue.  More than three-quarters (77%) of respondents said they will shop around for more deals and discounts, 71% said they would wait for big sales moments and store holiday sales from their favorite retailers, and 75% said they would perform more price comparisons online and in-stores.

In addition, close to half (47%) of respondents said fast delivery often determines who they will order from, and more than six in 10 (62%) are willing to pay more for expedited/guaranteed delivery.