Acquity Group Study: Consumers Value In-Store Wi-Fi, Rich Content and Mobile Experience Over Loyalty Programs

USA - English

• USA - English

(PRWEB) October 16, 2013 -- Acquity Group, a leading global Brand eCommerce® and digital marketing agency now part of Accenture Interactive, announces today the general findings of its study, Desktop vs. Smartphone: Technology’s Impact on Omnichannel Behavior.

The study, which surveyed more than 1,500 smartphone owners to evaluate the importance of price, convenience, product availability, coupons, customer service and loyalty programs while shopping in store, online, on a smartphone and through social media, reveals major opportunities for retailers.

Free in-store Wi-Fi is a worthy investment for retailers.

Consumers feel they would be more confident making a major purchase when free in-store Wi-Fi is available and would also be more likely to make additional purchases while in store:

• 50 percent of smartphone owners would feel more confident making a major purchase with the ability to research in store.
• 30 percent would be more likely to browse additional items not on their list.
• 20 percent would spend longer in store.

“Retailers are looking for ways to increase in-store sales, while also pushing online spend in an age of showrooming, but several are eliminating some of the best opportunities to drive a greater amount of in-store revenue,” said Chip Knicker, vice president of eCommerce at Acquity Group. “In-store Wi-Fi not only allows retailers to keep consumers in store longer, making them more likely to purchase, but also helps tie in the consistent user experience across channels that today’s consumers expect.”

Overall, the survey results reinforce that consumers want a shopping experience that brings all of a retailer’s digital and in store elements together. In fact, 46 percent of smartphone owners would purchase more online if there was a more consistent user experience across channels.

Online content is king for purchasing across channels.

Online content from omnichannel retailers is becoming more influential and driving purchase decisions across all channels, including social media:

• 78 percent of smartphone owners have looked up a retailer’s inventory online prior to visiting the physical store.
• 59 percent have been influenced to make an in-store purchase decision after browsing product images and information on a smartphone.
• 73 percent would be more likely to purchase from a brand that provides editorial content (social updates, news, or email) that is relevant and interesting to them.
• 32 percent have not yet purchased products posted on social media, but would be open to trying it. Another 16 percent have already purchased items after being influenced by social media posts.

Consumers want organization and simplicity when purchasing via mobile.

• Of the respondents who have made a purchase via mobile, 83 percent say convenience is the number one reason they’ve done so.
• Of the respondents who have not previously made a purchase via mobile, 41 percent would be more likely to make a purchase via their smartphone if the website were optimized for smartphone use.
• 44 percent of smartphone owners say mobile website organization is the most important aspect of a good smartphone experience.

“The frequency of mobile and online purchases will clearly increase as retailers expand their mobile content and capabilities,” said Knicker. “In addition, our study shows the willingness of respondents to purchase products promoted through social media channels. In the end, driving purchase activity is directly related to the abundance of relevant, customer-focused content brands provide that connects online, in store and social media experiences.”

Shopping preferences differ across all channels, but loyalty programs are universally the least important decision maker.

Shopping preferences for smartphone owners rank differently across channels. Price was less important while shopping on mobile vs. online (on a desktop/laptop) and customer service was most important while shopping in store. Overall, loyalty programs were the least important factor to customers regardless of channel.

Shopping preferences differ by generation.

Overall, the study confirmed assumed generational shopping behaviors in store, online, via mobile and through social media.

• Younger consumers are most likely to remain loyal to a brand or retailer (across channels) based on price, while older consumers are most likely to remain loyal because of customer service.
• Across generations, most respondents make frequent online purchases (two times or more per month) from laptop or desktop computers.
• Smartphone owners aged 26–45 are the most likely (73 percent) to have made a purchase via their smartphones.
• Across all generations, convenience is rated the most important factor when making a purchase via smartphone.

“The rise of omnichannel commerce has driven retailers to invest in strategies that engage consumers across channels,” added Knicker. “Our study demonstrates the importance of appealing to consumers’ specific preferences when targeting them across platforms. It also confirms that consumers’ preferences change both with age and as technology and design capabilities advance. Loyalty programs, once regarded as important to gaining and retaining customers, have been shown to be the least important when up against the time-honored factors of price, convenience, product availability and customer service, all of which can be delivered through a seamless omnichannel experience. It is clear brands that don’t align their experiences with evolving consumer expectations will miss out on revenue opportunities.”

The Acquity Group Desktop vs. Smartphone Study Methodology

As a leading provider of digital marketing, interactive design and eCommerce solutions, Acquity Group works with many global retailers to extend and refine their eCommerce capabilities to increase profits, efficiency and consumer loyalty across multiple channels. Acquity Group completed this study in September 2013 to help chief marketing officers in B2C companies gain a better understanding of buyers’ preferences across these channels.

The study surveyed 1,526 smartphone owners across the United States. The survey analyzed buyer preferences and behaviors for shopping across a variety of channels, including in store, online through a desktop or laptop, online through a smartphone and online through social media. Respondents were further broken down based on demographic qualifiers, including age, gender and income. Response percentages were evaluated on a quantitative scale to assess actionable metrics for retailers.

About Acquity Group

Acquity Group is a leading Brand eCommerce® and digital marketing company, now part of Accenture Interactive. Acquity Group leverages the Internet, mobile devices and social media to enhance its clients' brands and eCommerce performance. It is the digital agency of record for a number of well-known global brands in multiple industries. Acquity Group has served more than 600 companies and their global brands through thirteen offices in North America. For more information about Acquity Group, visit acquitygroup.com. For more information about Accenture Interactive, visit accenture.com/interactive.

Erin Jordan, Walker Sands Communications, http://www.walkersands.com/, +1 (312) 265 - 3089, [email protected]