Mobile Commerce

Cyber Monday shouldn't change its name to Mobile Monday. At least not yet. As it has in all other areas of retailing, mobile commerce has made its presence felt during the Black Friday-to-Cyber Monday shopping period. Mobile devices are the gateway to retailer websites for 13.3 percent of consumers, and 8.5 percent are using these devices to make a purchase, according to an IBM Benchmark Alert.

eBay CEO John Donahoe told The Wall Street Journal it had a "record" Black Friday but provided no further information. eBay did share its mobile growth rates for Thursday and Friday, some data about which products and categories consumers were shopping, and somewhat interesting data about its Black Friday deals.

Walgreens is bringing mobile couponing and exclusive offers to smartphone users starting on Black Friday as it launches a mobile coupon program at more than 7,700 stores across the country. The scannable coupons, which range in value from 50 cents to $5, are being added to its mobile apps, giving customers money off products including beauty items, gifts, consumables and everyday essentials.

Wal-Mart is improving customer experience by allowing shoppers to scan and pay for items away from the checkout counter. With Apple’s new EasyPay feature as part of its iOS app, shoppers with an iPhone 4 or 4S can buy some products simply by scanning the barcode, entering their Apple ID, and walking out with the item.

Limelight Networks today released research confirming that mobile shopping is becoming an increasingly significant factor in driving sales and overall brand affinity. The survey results prove that retailers who create smooth, rich mobile experiences can increase conversions and build their brands with consumers purchasing on their mobile devices, on their computers and in the store.

Gap has deployed the Google Wallet pay-by-smartphone capability in more than 65 of its California stores, joining leading retailers including Macy's, OfficeMax, Toys"R"Us and American Eagle in using the technology. Gap is promoting usage of the app with a 15 percent discount off customers' entire purchase through February 2012.

Overstock.com announced the launch of its free O.co iPad application. The new application can be found on the iTunes website and will carry the same product selection that is available on the Overstock.com website. 

Williams-Sonoma is the first omnichannel retailer to enable consumers to purchase and send electronic gift cards with their smartphones. Working with CashStar, the retailer is adding the ability to purchase and send e-gift cards via all five of its brands' mobile websites.

PBS and CellPoint Mobile have unveiled a fully integrated mobile shop for PBS Kids products. The e-commerce platform features merchandise from PBS Kids programs including "Sesame Street," "Curious George," "Super Why," "Dinosaur Train," "Sid the Science Kid," "Martha Speaks" and "Cat in the Hat."

Wal-Mart has launched new applications for the iPhone and iPad designed to give its consumers tools to plan their weekly shopping trips as well as a new way to access the retailer both in-store and online.