Shopping App Usage & Trends

In 2024, the popularity of shopping apps has soared, reshaping how we interact with brands and make purchases.

At Apparati, we’re witnessing firsthand how mobile commerce is becoming essential to our everyday lives, offering users the convenience to browse new collections, discover deals, or make instant purchases with just a few taps.

As this trend shows no signs of slowing down, shopping apps have become fundamental for consumers worldwide, influencing everything from fashion to groceries.

In this blog, we’ll highlight some crucial statistics and trends in the shopping app space and discuss the shifts shaping this new shopping experience.

Global Shopping Apps Statistics: A Booming Market

• Projected Growth: E-commerce sales are expected to reach an incredible $58.75 trillion by 2028, indicating the unstoppable growth of online shopping.
• Annual Growth Rate: Between 2021 and 2028, e-commerce sales are projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 14.6%.
• United States: Online shoppers are set to increase from 268 million in 2022 to nearly 285 million by 2025.
• Mobile Commerce Dominance: Around 31% of all U.S. retail e-commerce sales are conducted through mobile devices.
• Global Shift to Mobile: By 2025, mobile e-commerce revenues are projected to hit $728.28 billion, highlighting the shift to smartphone-based shopping.

The appeal of mobile commerce is visible across regions, with consumers spending $41.8 billion on mobile shopping just in the first quarter of 2022. Unsurprisingly, China leads the way, contributing 47% of total e-commerce sales worldwide.

Consumer Behavior: Why Shoppers Prefer Mobile Apps

• Ease of Use: 61% of consumers prefer mobile apps for their simplicity.
• Speed and User Experience: 70% of mobile users appreciate the fast and seamless experience shopping apps provide.
• Frequent Usage: 44% of shoppers use mobile apps to make purchases at least once a week.

From fashion to electronics and groceries, mobile shopping is becoming a daily habit. With engaging, user-friendly interfaces, shopping apps make browsing and buying as convenient as possible.

Regional Trends in Mobile Commerce

• Asia-Pacific: This region leads with 62% of all e-commerce transactions occurring on mobile devices.
• United States: Among younger consumers, 90% of Gen Z shoppers prefer mobile apps for their purchases.
• Europe: 45% of European online shoppers use mobile apps, reflecting a growing trend across the continent.
• Latin America: Mobile commerce drives 40% of all e-commerce transactions, solidifying its importance in the region.

These regional trends highlight how mobile shopping is influencing purchasing habits worldwide, each region adapting to mobile-first e-commerce in its unique way.

Demographic Insights: Who’s Shopping on Mobile Apps?

High-income shoppers aged 30–49 are at the forefront of mobile shopping, with 92% of this demographic shopping on their smartphones and 49% making weekly purchases. Younger adults aged 18–29 are also avid mobile shoppers, with 87% regularly using shopping apps, and 38% shopping weekly. While adoption decreases among older age groups, interest in mobile shopping remains significant across age ranges.

Consumer Preferences and Shopping Habits

• Fashion and Accessories: 64% of consumers search for and buy clothing through mobile apps.
• Electronics and Groceries: The most popular categories for mobile shopping, these items are frequently bought directly through apps.
• Conversion Rates: 56% of consumers browsing for shoes end up purchasing within the app.

Despite privacy concerns and frustrations with small screens or complex navigation, nearly all consumers agree that shopping apps improve their experience by streamlining the shopping process.

Enhancing the Mobile Shopping Experience

Consumers believe there’s room for improvement in mobile shopping. At Apparati, we’re committed to addressing these challenges by focusing on clear, easy-to-navigate interfaces, improved product information, and efficient checkout processes.

With mobile commerce rapidly evolving, Apparati strives to be at the forefront, creating custom app solutions that respond to these trends. As shopping apps become more essential, we’re here to help brands thrive by building innovative, user-friendly shopping experiences that meet the needs of today’s mobile-first consumers.