PCR Tech and IT retail, distribution and vendor news
A new report by the British Retail Consortium reveals that search volumes on tablet devices increased 198 per cent in Q1, outpacing those on any other device.
Search volumes on smartphones increased 66 per cent and total retail search volumes across all devices grew 16 per cent in Q1 2013.
Helen Dickinson, director general, British Retail Consortium, said: "These figures confirm how tablets and smartphones are becoming increasingly integral to the shopping experience for many of us, whether we’re at home or on the move, and from research to purchase. It’s easier than ever to compare prices and products online, and retailers are continuing to invest in their websites and their ‘omnichannel’ offer so that customers have choice, convenience and flexibility when they shop.
Peter Fitzgerald, retail director at Google, believes the increase in mobile searches will continue to grow throughout the year and notes the increase in overseas searches: “Tablet queries grew nearly three times compared to the same period last year, whilst mobile traffic grew at 66 per cent. These are trends that will only continue into 2013 as more people own multiple devices. International interest is also proving invaluable to our UK retailers, with overseas searches for UK brands at 16 per cent growth, and particular interest from our American neighbours with searches up 75 per cent."
