We know that the current retail landscape is increasingly competitive, and large companies in the sector, such as stores, supermarkets and food chains, are looking for innovative ways to stand out. Among these innovations, one of the main strategies to increase sales, improve the customer experience and strengthen loyalty is the development of a customized application.
But if you’re still not convinced about why your retail business should invest in a solution like this, we can help. In this article, we’ll explore how a custom app can positively impact the retail industry, using practical examples to demonstrate its benefits.
How does a custom retail app work?
A custom app is a digital solution that is tailored to meet the specific needs of a retail business and its customers. Unlike generic solutions that offer standardized functionality, a custom app can be designed to reflect your brand identity and deliver exactly what your customers expect.
These apps can integrate a wide range of features, such as exclusive promotions, purchase history, loyalty programs, and personalized payment options. They can also offer a more convenient, accessible, and personalized shopping experience, both in physical stores and online.
Why is personalization important?
When a company is able to offer a unique and relevant experience to its customers, the positive impact is immediate. According to Zendesk, 60% of today’s consumers prefer a personalized experience, and they take this factor into consideration when closing a deal. In other words, personalization improves the customer experience, increases their satisfaction and creates a closer relationship between the brand and the consumer.
Consumers increasingly expect brands to understand their behaviors and preferences. By providing personalized interactions, such as sending exclusive offers based on purchase history or recommending products based on individual preferences, companies can increase loyalty. This, in turn, translates into increased sales, as customers are more likely to return and make more purchases when they feel they are being served in a personalized way.
What features do customers expect from a retail app?
Now that you understand the importance of a customized tool, you need to understand that for an app to be effective and truly boost retail sales, it must offer features that meet consumer expectations. Therefore, some of the most requested features are:
- Exclusive promotions: one of the biggest attractions for consumers is the possibility of accessing exclusive promotions and discounts through the app. This encourages them to use it regularly, creating a closer relationship with the brand;
- Purchase history: having access to the purchase history within the app allows you to view all orders made and facilitates the repurchase process. Consumers can check previously purchased items and repeat orders quickly and conveniently;
- Loyalty programs: A custom app can also include loyalty programs, where customers can accumulate points or coupons with each purchase made, encouraging their loyalty to the brand;
- Personalized notifications: direct communication with the customer through notifications about exclusive offers and launches increases the chances of conversion and keeps the consumer informed about relevant news.
How can an app help in the customer’s purchasing journey?
A customized app can be a great ally in the customer’s purchasing journey, from the moment of searching to after-sales. A good example of this is the app developed by Mouts TI for a cooperative. The app was created to improve the experience of the company’s members, offering features that facilitate the purchasing process and joining the membership program.
Among its main features, the app allows users to activate exclusive offers directly through the app, eliminating the need to go to a physical store. In addition, the purchase history helps customers manage their spending and view their savings. Another unique feature is the ability to track the cooperative’s financial return, which reinforces transparency and strengthens relationships with members.
These features make the shopping experience more convenient and increase membership to the membership program, resulting in greater loyalty and sales. By digitizing membership and offer activation processes, the cooperative was able to optimize its operations and offer a superior experience to its customers, driving internal growth.
Retail Technology Trends: What’s Next for Apps?
What does the future hold for retail technology? Well, the future of personalized apps promises to bring great innovations to the sector, with new technologies emerging and consumer habits continuing to evolve. Here are some of the main trends:
AI and Machine Learning:
Artificial intelligence is increasingly being integrated into applications to offer personalized recommendations, optimize customer service, and predict purchasing behavior based on historical data.
Augmented Reality (AR):
With AR, consumers can visualize products in 3D before making a purchase, providing a more interactive and immersive shopping experience.
Integrated mobile payments:
Making it easier to pay with digital wallets and in-app payments helps improve the shopping experience and reduce cart abandonment.
Omnichannel:
Finally, the integration between the physical and digital worlds is expected to continue to grow. Therefore, an application that allows customers to move between physical stores and the online environment seamlessly, such as checking stock availability in real time or reserving products for in-store pickup, will be a competitive advantage.
Conclusion
In short, custom apps are the best strategy for large retail companies that want to increase their sales and improve the customer experience. With specific features that meet consumer expectations and align technology with operational needs, these companies can create a competitive edge and build customer loyalty.
Mouts TI’s success story illustrates how a digital solution can transform the purchasing journey and strengthen relationships with consumers. As technology trends continue to evolve, companies that embrace these innovations will be poised to stand out in the retail sector.
To learn more about custom application development, visit the Mouts TI website and learn about our solutions. Our team of experts is prepared to meet your needs with the best in technological innovation.
