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UK online retail is robust, with revenues already hitting record levels, and the shift toward mobile is unmistakable. Many consumers now shop via smartphones rather than desktops, and this mobile-first behaviour is not slowing down early. The forecasts indicate that this upward trend will persist, with eCommerce expected to make up 35.5% of retail sales by 2026. Additionally, projections suggest online shopping could represent about 53% of UK retail sales by 2028.
Statistics reveal that mobile shopping now drives a significant percentage of online sales, and many UK shoppers prefer apps over mobile websites for their speed, ease of use, and personalised experience.
Custom mobile apps have gained significant importance due to their flexibility in customisation. Let’s learn what factors make it a necessity.
Tailored Experience:Custom apps allow you to design a user interface that reflects your brand identity and adapts specifically to your customer needs. Unlike off-the-shelf solutions, a custom mobile app can provide an intuitive navigation experience and personalised recommendations based on user data.
Information messages: Apps enable direct communication with users through alerts, reminding them of abandoned carts, exclusive offers, or new product launches to boost engagement and loyalty.
Frictionless Purchases: With stored payment details and one-click checkout processes, custom apps dramatically reduce the steps required to finalise a purchase process. Studies indicate that mobile apps can lead to conversion rates up to 130% higher than mobile websites.
Diverse Payment Options:Integration with digital wallets in an iOS App like Apple Pay, Google Pay, and other secure payment methods simplifies transactions that minimise cart abandonment.
Analytics & Adaptation: Custom mobile apps collect rich data on user behaviour, allowing for better-targeted marketing strategies, helping you understand your audience and optimise your product offerings accordingly.
Real-Time Adjustments: These apps can analyse purchasing patterns by leveraging AI and machine learning and automatically adjust product recommendations, promotions, and sometimes even prices to boost sales.
Stand Out in a Crowded Market: In an industry dominated by major players like Amazon and Tesco, a bespoke mobile app gives your business a unique selling point. It leads to innovation and a customer-centric approach to attract and retain more shoppers.
Future-Proofing Your Business: As technology evolves and consumer expectations rise, having a custom app means you can continuously update features and security measures to stay ahead of competitors.
Mobile applications enhance customer engagement by offering personalised, convenient, and interactive experiences. Here is how a startup mobile app brings in customer engagement:
Mobile apps collect user data to tailor content, product recommendations, and services to individual preferences, leading to increased satisfaction and loyalty.
Apps can send timely push notifications about promotions, updates, or personalised messages, keeping users engaged and informed.
Incorporating game-like elements such as rewards, badges, or challenges motivates users to engage more frequently and intensively in the app.
Features like live chat, FAQs, and quick access to support resources inside the apps enhance customer support and engagement.
Integrating loyalty programs into your mobile apps encourages repeat visits and higher spending while fostering your brand loyalty.
Mobile Android apps provide users easy access to your services and products anytime, anywhere, increasing engagement through convenience.
By leveraging these strategies, businesses can create compelling mobile experiences that drive customer loyalty and growth.
In 2025, UK eCommerce is being shaped by trends such as AI-driven personalisation, the rise of social commerce, a focus on sustainability, and the expansion of omnichannel retail strategies. Read through to understand these trends.
Rising Mobile Commerce: With more than 50 million e-commerce users in the UK and mobile devices becoming the preferred shopping channel, future growth will largely depend on mobile app experiences.
App-Driven Engagement: The convenience of shopping on the go, combined with in-app exclusive deals and interactive features, will continue to boost mobile commerce.
AI and Machine Learning: These technologies aid in refining personalisation and predictive analytics, allowing apps to deliver tailored shopping experiences and anticipate customer needs.
Automation and Enhanced Security: As retailers face increasing cyber threats, custom apps can integrate cutting-edge security protocols, ensuring that customer data is protected and transactions are secure.
Seamless Experience Across Channels: A custom mobile app is a key component in an omnichannel strategy, bridging the gap between both physical and digital retail. This helps create a consistent and unified customer journey, from in-store experiences to online shopping.
We have worked with some of the best innovative ideas and brands in the world across industries.
Talk to CiaránIn the dynamic UK eCommerce market, relying solely on a responsive website is no longer sufficient. A custom mobile app not only meets the rising expectations of today’s consumers but also provides the tools for personalised and streamlined transactions and actionable insights, which are crucial for boosting conversion rates and fostering long-term loyalty. As mobile commerce continues to dominate and technology advances, investing in a custom mobile app with Square Roots Solutions UK will be a strategic move to ensure your business remains competitive and primed for future growth.
By aligning your mobile strategy with these trends, you can differentiate your brand by optimising customer engagement and ultimately having higher revenue inflow. In this mobile-first era, a custom app is not an option but a necessity.
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