theglobeandmail.com
Mobile Shopping to Dominate US Holiday Spending
US holiday mobile shopping is projected to hit a record \$128.1 billion this year, a 12.8% increase, driven by Gen Z consumers and retailers' mobile app improvements; 53% of online spending is expected to be mobile.
- What are the long-term implications of this shift toward mobile-first shopping for both consumers and retailers?
- The shift to mobile-first shopping necessitates investment in mobile technology for retailers. This trend increases the average order value on apps (e.g., Roxy's app shows an \$89 average vs. \$83.80 on the mobile website) and drives higher conversion rates. Amazon's mobile-exclusive offerings further solidify this trajectory.
- How are retailers adapting their strategies to capitalize on the growing preference for mobile shopping during the holiday season?
- Gen Z consumers, comfortable with mobile shopping, are driving this trend, influencing family purchases. Retailers are optimizing mobile experiences by improving apps, offering exclusive deals, and personalizing suggestions, shrinking the gap between browsing and buying on mobile devices.
- How significant is the projected increase in mobile shopping for the 2023 US holiday season, and what factors are driving this trend?
- This Thanksgiving, mobile shopping is expected to surge, with 53% of online spending (\$128.1 billion) projected to occur on smartphones, tablets, or laptops—a 12.8% increase from last year. Retailers like Walmart and Target are closed on Thanksgiving, pushing consumers to mobile apps offering pre-Black Friday deals and streamlined payment methods.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The article frames the shift to mobile shopping very positively, highlighting the convenience, ease of use, and exclusive deals offered by retailers. The headline and opening paragraph immediately establish this positive tone. The use of statistics about the growth of mobile spending further reinforces this positive framing, while downplaying potential negative aspects. The inclusion of quotes from retail experts and consumers who praise mobile shopping further reinforces the positive framing.
Language Bias
The article generally uses neutral language, but certain phrases subtly convey a positive bias towards mobile shopping. For example, describing Gen Z consumers as "comfortable shopping and comparing prices on their mobile phones" implies a positive association with mobile shopping. The frequent use of terms like "ease," "convenience," and "streamline" also contributes to this positive framing. More balanced language might replace "lured" with "attracted" and replace "boost" with "increase".
Bias by Omission
The article focuses heavily on the increase in mobile shopping, particularly during the holiday season. While it mentions brick-and-mortar stores closing on Thanksgiving, it doesn't delve into the potential impact of this closure on in-person shopping or the overall retail landscape. Additionally, there is no discussion about the potential negative consequences of increased mobile shopping, such as potential for increased impulse buying or the environmental impact of increased deliveries.
False Dichotomy
The article presents a somewhat simplified view of the shift to mobile shopping, focusing primarily on the positive aspects (convenience, ease of use, exclusive deals) without fully exploring potential drawbacks or alternative perspectives. While acknowledging that some shoppers still prefer computers, the narrative strongly emphasizes the growth and dominance of mobile shopping, potentially overlooking the nuances of consumer preferences and shopping behaviors.
False Dichotomy
The article includes a brief mention of Thalia LeBlanc, a 33-year-old woman, who shops frequently on mobile apps. While this is not inherently biased, the lack of similar examples from men could be interpreted as a potential omission. There is no discussion of gender differences in mobile shopping habits. More diverse examples would balance the representation.