Almost half (48.2%) of smartphone users have shopped on their mobile, according to new research.
This figure has increased by 13% in nine months, and looks set to grow more, according to the study by Edigitalresearch and Portaltech.
Some 46% of Smartphone users expect to increase the amount of browsing and shopping they do via their device “in the not so distant future”, suggests the report.
Mark Adams, sales and marketing director at Portaltech, said: “Technology is evolving quickly and what is most interesting is how rapidly consumers are adapting to it – especially the younger generation.
“Mobile presents a huge opportunity for brands and there is no doubt that this major shift in consumer behaviour will continue to develop over the forthcoming months and years.”
The growing popularity of shopping with smartphones is something hotels need to cash in on, a second study by Amadeus has said.
Nearly a fifth (19.5%) of hotel search queries are currently made on mobile devices, the research shows.
Of mobile bookings, Google has reported that 82% are made within one day of arrival, and 58% within 20 miles of the hotel.
To bolster growth over the coming three years, hotels will need to better integrate their IT and business priorities, according to Amadeus’ Jerome Destors.
“Gaps between technology, marketing and operations can inhibit global expansion and damage brand value, which is why it’s so important to align technology to core strategic priorities,” he said.
Hotels must also view their IT through the lens of the guest experience, added Destors.