Top 8 E-Commerce Brands that are Revolutionizing Online Shopping With Mobile Apps

Introduction

Whether you are ready or not, eCommerce is here to STAY! Online shopping today is a glamming example of the eCommerce’s revolution. With the widespread use of smartphones, technology's influence continues to expand daily, and mobile shopping is becoming increasingly popular. The growing demand for more convenient browsing for clothing, accessories, footwear, and even groceries has made mobile devices indispensable in the retail sector. Research shows that nearly one-third of US internet users preferred mobile shopping in 2021, enjoying the convenience it offers on a weekly basis. By 2025, mobile commerce is projected to reach $710.4 billion, accounting for 44% of all online purchases. This surge in demand for convenience means that small businesses must adapt if they wish to capture even a portion of their target market. Drawing inspiration from successful eCommerce trends is essential for these businesses in 2024. Top eCommerce apps have redefined the shopping experience by combining affordability and ease. They have revitalized revenue channels for consumer markets and breathed new life into online businesses. Enhanced user experience and customer service have allowed eCommerce to drive both market and business growth gracefully. The development of mobile applications and the exponential rise in mobile users worldwide have been major forces behind this transformation. These apps have successfully met the digital demands of mobile consumers, paving the way for businesses to adapt to the evolving needs of tech-savvy clients. Even there is an exponential rise in the opportunities for a mobile app development company as the businesses are moving online. This blog will highlight the 7 best e commerce mobile apps in 2024 that have attracted large audiences and thrived amid intense competition. These apps can help even those with little experience in the eCommerce space strategize for growth. Let's dive into the details:

The Rise of eCommerce Apps

The App Store and the Android Market (which is now called Google Play) launch in 2008 marked a critical turning point in mobile app development. This critical milestone gave way to a successful app ecosystem that opened the door to rapid growth. By 2024, the total number of apps on prominent platforms was estimated to be around 4.3 million, with the Google Play Store accounting for about 2.3 million apps and the Apple App Store boasting about 2 million apps. This meaningful increase is a good indication of the ever-increasing number of mobile applications which also show the growing importance of mobile solutions in the digital economy. This accession has brought much to the eCommerce field which is the area of rapid growth that even mobile solutions have a hand in it. A simple reason why this is happening is that people want to be able to do things easily and without problems. The idea of modern days is to have the ability to shop without being limited to a certain place and at times when the consumer is on the road. Consequently, mobile apps for eCommerce are more preferred than websites, as they are quick, user-friendly, and adaptable. Shopify's data gives a very interesting finding: during Black Friday and Cyber Monday of 2019, e-commerce channels and mobile devices took the lead over the internet and gained a 69% share in total sales. This data provides information on the increasing influence of the smartphone in e-commerce. It is the right time to start selling your products on the web through eCommerce. The decision to embark on this journey is becoming more urgent as the competitive landscape becomes more attractive with time. This is your time to seize the chance as it is growing stronger.

Why is a Mobile App a Must Have for an eCommerce Business?

Step in the shoes of a consumer and think what are the two important factors you consider while you are shopping? The answer is convenience and speed. These are the two important priorities for today’s consumers and eCommerce mobile apps deliver these opportunities right into their hands. Below are a few more reasons why customers these days want you to sell on a native mobile application:

• Customers prefer mobile eCommerce apps: Online shopping apps are the preferred way to shop for today’s consumers.
• Seamless Checkout: Mobile application allows users to pay without any hassle, eliminating the need to enter their account details every time or face unnecessary redirections. 
• Direct-to-Consumer Marketing: Through online selling apps, you can sell your offerings directly to the consumers and also establish a direct communication channel. 
• More access to Mobile Native features: With mobile commerce, you can take benefit of five native features but not with desktop commerce: voice, accelerometer, GPS, camera, and device pairing. Therefore, mobile commerce gives a more interactive user experience. 
• Strong Branding: A stand-alone brand allows you to implement a unique set of features, including enhanced targetability, increased brand awareness, customer loyalty, consistency, and higher levels of user engagement.

Top 7 Companies With the Best eCommerce Apps

1. Amazon

Amazon is the world's most preferred online shopping apps that provides a wide range of products, from high-tech gadgets to groceries. The mobile app improves the user experience by providing services like One-Click Ordering and Prime Membership, which offer benefits such as free delivery and exclusive deals. The app also allows users to use Voice Shopping through Alexa and place orders hands-free. Amazon's vast selection of product reviews and unique recommendations based on a user's preferences guide consumers to make informed decisions, thus, making it the best choice for online shopping. Key Attributes of Amazon Robust Backend Infrastructure: Uses AWS for scalable cloud services, ensuring fast load times and reliability. Advanced Search Functionality: The system utilizes sophisticated machine learning algorithms to ensure that searches are catered exactly to customer’s preferences. Seamless Payment Integration: Make payment facilitation easier by having options ranging from Amazon Pay, credit, or debit cards, and gift cards.

2. Alibaba Group (AliExpress)

Alibaba's AliExpress is known to be a major marketplace for international buyers, featuring millions of products at competitive prices. The strength of this online selling application lies in its dropshipping capabilities, making it easier for businesses to source products without holding inventory. It supports multiple languages and currencies, catering to a diverse global audience. AliExpress also offers a buyer protection program, ensuring safe transactions and encouraging trust among users. Key Attributes of Alibaba Group (AliExpress) Multilingual Support: Alibaba allows users to shop in different languages, improving accessibility.  Responsive Design: Runs seamlessly across devices, thereby ensuring enhanced user experience. Dropshipping Features: Provides tools for the sellers to manage their products and inventory without holding stock. 

3. Walmart

Walmart’s app combines the convenience of online shopping with its vast physical presence. Users can enjoy features like in-store pickup and grocery delivery, seamlessly merging their online and offline shopping experiences. The app also features real-time inventory tracking, helping customers locate products in nearby stores. With its rollback pricing and price matching, Walmart aims to provide the best value while ensuring customer loyalty. Key Attributes of Walmart Integration with Physical Stores: Walmart offers features like in-store pickup and online grocery shopping to bridge the gap between online and offline shopping. User-Friendly Interface: It focuses on a simple design that makes it easy for users to navigate and find products. Dynamic Pricing: Adapts pricing based on competition and demand in order to keep prices competitive.

4. eBay

eBay is known for its auction-style listings and vast marketplaces. Its online selling application allows users to bid on items or purchase them directly, providing flexibility in shopping. eBay features an extensive search filter system, enabling buyers to find specific items quickly. The app also includes real-time bidding notifications, keeping users engaged and informed about auction status. Its focus on unique and second-hand products sets it apart in the eCommerce landscape. Key Attributes of eBay Auction and Fixed Price Options: Gives flexibility to the users by supporting both bidding and direct purchase. Detailed Product Pages: Includes comprehensive product descriptions, high-quality images, and user reviews to facilitate informed purchasing. Advanced Seller Tools: Provides analytics and performance tracking for sellers to optimize their listings.

5. Etsy 

Etsy specializes in handmade, vintage, and unique items, fostering a community of creators and buyers. The app allows sellers to easily manage their shops and interact with customers through features like customization options for products. Etsy's focus on niche markets and personalized shopping experiences sets it apart, appealing to consumers looking for distinctive items. The app also includes community forums where sellers can share tips and insights, promoting collaboration. Key Attributes of Etsy Seller Dashboard: Provides tools for sellers to manage their shops, track sales, and analyze customer data. Customization Features: Allows sellers to offer personalized items, enhancing user interaction and satisfaction. Community Engagement Tools: Includes forums and resources for sellers to connect and collaborate, fostering a sense of community.

6. IKEA

IKEA is a globally well-known brand that specializes in affordable ready-to-assemble furniture and home accessories. The IKEA app is packed with tons of features that enable users to not only browse but also visualize and purchase items directly from their mobiles. Besides the uniqueness of IKEA's simple yet elegant designs of the material, this model also boasts a "Place in Your Room" function that uses Augmented Reality (AR) to demonstrate products in the real room they are planning to buy. This tool eliminates buyer's remorse since buyers are sure what they are paying for is a useful product. Key Attributes of IKEA Augmented Reality Integration: Users can visualize products in their space using AR, enhancing confidence in purchase decisions. Seamless Shopping Experience: The app supports shopping lists, inventory checks, and pickup/delivery, merging online and offline shopping. Personalized Recommendations: Tailored suggestions help users discover items that match their style and preferences.

7. Fashion Nova

The Fashion Nova app focuses on delivering a seamless user experience with a design that prioritizes ease of navigation and trendy visuals. It features a clean and responsive UI, making browsing fast and enjoyable. The app leverages push notifications to engage users, notifying them of sales, new arrivals, and exclusive offers. Fashion Nova's integration of social media sharing options aligns with its marketing strategy, making it easy for users to share products and encourage brand visibility. These app features effectively drive customer engagement and streamline the shopping process. Key Attributes of Fashion Nova User-Friendly Interface: The app offers a clean and easy-to-navigate interface, allowing users to quickly browse and filter through hundreds of clothing items. Push Notifications for Deals: The app sends push notifications for sales, exclusive discounts, and new arrivals, keeping users engaged and driving purchases. Social Media Integration: The app integrates social sharing options, allowing users to share their favorite products, aligning with Fashion Nova's strong social media presence.

8. Shopify

Shopify is a leading eCommerce apps empowering businesses to create their own online stores. Its app offers a user-friendly interface with customizable storefront templates, allowing merchants to tailor their shops to their branding. Shopify's extensive app ecosystem provides tools for marketing, analytics, and customer support, making it a comprehensive solution for online selling. Features like POS integration allow businesses to manage sales both online and in physical locations. Key Attributes of Shopify Customizable Templates: Offers a wide range of templates that allow merchants to create unique storefronts. App Ecosystem: A vast library of plugins to add features such as marketing, SEO, and inventory management. Mobile Optimization: Ensures the app is fully responsive and provides a seamless shopping experience on mobile devices.

Key Elements for Your eCommerce App

1. Safe and Secure Payments: Integrate in-app payment options for secure and streamlined transactions, supporting various methods like credit cards, wallets (e.g., Google Pay, Apple Pay), and online transfers.
2. Diverse Shipping Choices: Offer multiple shipping options with detailed charges and delivery estimates, giving users control over their deliveries.
3. Augmented Reality (AR): Use AR to let users visualize products in their space, enhancing the decision-making process and reducing abandoned carts (e.g., used by Sephora and IKEA).
4. Detailed Product Information: Provides comprehensive product details—dimensions, materials, warranties—to help users make informed decisions and reduce returns.
5. Effortless Filtering & Sorting: Enable intuitive product filtering and sorting to help users quickly find desired items, improving the shopping experience.
6. Rewards & Coupons: Use referral coupons, rewards, and flash sales to drive engagement and boost sales.
7. Push Notifications: Leverage push notifications for updates on new products, sales, and offers, increasing customer engagement.
8. Personalized Recommendations: Provide customized product suggestions using recommendation engines to match user preferences, boosting conversions.

Incorporating these key features ensures a smooth and engaging user experience, ultimately increasing brand loyalty and app success.

Conclusion

With 12 to 24 million eCommerce brands globally and new ones emerging constantly, now is the perfect time to explore eCommerce development services. Concerned about the cost of developing an eCommerce app? Don’t worry— we have a cost-effective solution. WEDOWEBAPPS, a renowned eCommerce mobile app development company, can help you develop an eCommerce app from scratch and can also transform your website into a fully responsive application. Simply let our experts know and we'll create a cost-effective app for your clothing store. Don't hesitate. Just seize this opportunity to enter the competitive market with our support!