Smartphone owners are more likely to walk into department stores to see the items they want, and walk out empty handed to buy those items online, according to a recent survey.
Of the shoppers surveyed, 66 percent report they have visited a brick-and-mortar store with the intent to buy, and instead bought the item online. That number jumped to 78 percent for smartphone owners, according to Retrevo.com, a consumer electronics review and shopping site.
Shoppers were most likely to do this when shopping for electronics, shoes and clothing. Those with smartphones were about 9 percent more likely to head online after visiting stores to find these items, Retrevo.com reports.
The most common reason for leaving stores without buying were lack of information and feeling "overwhelmed" by the selection brick-and-mortar shops had to offer, Retrevo.com notes. Shoppers said they wanted more reviews, and felt the sales people at the stores they visited were "of little help."
Being able to compare prices and look for coupons online was another big draw for buyers, the company adds.
"It's time for retailers to rethink their mobile engagement strategy," notes Manish Rathi, Retrevo.com's co-founder. "In today's market where many brick-and-mortar retailers are trying to stay competitive, retailers can't afford to merely serve as a showroom for Amazon."
Auctiva staff writers constantly monitor trends and best practices of those selling on eBay and elsewhere online. They attend relevant training seminars and trade shows and regularly discuss the market with PowerSellers and other market experts.
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