Record levels of smartphone shopping predicted for Black Friday

Smartphone shopping is predicted to reach record highs this Black Friday. That’s according to new research from digital commerce provider Episerver, which examined the shopping habits of consumers in 2016.

LONDON, UK – 24th November 2016: Smartphone shopping is predicted to reach record highs this weekend, as mobile users browse Black Friday deals on the go. That’s according to new research from digital commerce consultancy Episerver, which found that one in five shoppers will use their smartphones while out on the high street this week.

The new research, which surveyed 1,200 UK shoppers, found that online shopping ranks as one of the top five most common uses for a smartphone; above “listening to music”, “streaming videos”, “reading news” and “playing podcasts”.

The survey reveals that 35% of consumers use their smartphone to buy non-essential goods such as clothing, electronics and home furnishings at least once a month, while more than one in 10 (14%) make such purchases every single week. Over a third (36%) also use their smartphone to shop for digital items such as music and ebooks at least once a month.

Commenting on these findings, Youtse Sung, Senior Manager of Global Marketing at Episerver, said, “When it comes to bargains, consumers are more savvy and less brand loyal than ever before. It should come as no surprise that on a day of deals shoppers are taking to their phones to find the best of the bargains. That’s why we predict Black Friday 2016 will see record smartphone use, with consumers continuing to shop on the go across the entire weekend ahead.”

To find out more about Episerver, or to view the company’s latest research reports, visit http://www.episerver.com/resources/.