IKEA Canada recently made an update to its mobile app that turns its product catalog into a retail tool that's useful for making purchasing decisions in a store. Some of the features of the app include the ability to check stock and product availability within a store and generate shopping lists. Once a list has been compiled, the app maps out the location of each item in the store so it is easy to find.
Knowing that smartphones are a major part of the modern consumer's shopping process, the app update also includes a barcode scanning feature that makes it possible for consumers to find out more about a product. In order to encourage use of the app in-store, IKEA Canada supplies free Wi-Fi.
This is an inspiring solution for brands that seek to converge physical and digital shopping experiences.
Shopping Assistant Apps
IKEA's Mobile App Now Doubles as a Helpful In-Store Assistant
Trend Themes
1. Converged Shopping - This trend highlights the integration of physical and digital shopping experiences, offering opportunities for brands to enhance the customer journey.
2. In-store Assistance - This trend emphasizes the use of mobile apps as helpful tools in physical stores, providing opportunities for retailers to improve customer satisfaction and navigate in-store experiences.
3. Barcode Scanning - This trend focuses on the use of barcode scanning features in mobile apps, opening up opportunities for brands to provide additional product information and enhance the shopping experience.
Industry Implications
1. Retail - This industry can take advantage of converging shopping experiences by developing integrated physical and digital strategies to elevate the customer journey and increase sales.
2. Technology - This industry can explore opportunities in developing innovative mobile apps that assist in-store experiences, providing retailers with valuable tools to engage and support customers.
3. Consumer Goods - This industry can leverage barcode scanning technologies to deliver enhanced product information and engage consumers in a personalized and interactive way.