Once I got an iPhone and started downloading various apps, I wondered if it would forever change the way we shopped. At first, the shopping apps didn’t really blow me away, but they’ve come such a long way since then. They’ve gotten so good that I regularly browse on them AND use them to shop. Shopping apps (and they way they’ve enhanced the consumer experience) are one of the first things I thought of when I was approached to be a part of the IBM Smarter Commerce campaign (see previous posts in the series here and here).
So I took a long look at the apps that I have on my phone and use on a daily basis, and I’ve rounded up my top 5 favorites to share with you:
Up first at number five … the Target app. I actually enjoy shopping on the Target iPhone app more than I enjoy shopping on Target.com. The website can sometimes be hard to navigate and search for items, while the app has a clean design, is user-friendly and has a super easy checkout process. The menu and product categories are easy to scroll through, the product images are vivid, and sale items are well highlighted.
Next on the countdown at number four … the Retail Me Not app. As a recessionista, I love having access to tons of coupons and discount codes in one app. The layout is really easy to use, you can search by store, category or featured coupons, and they even highlight expiration dates for you.
Coming in at number three … the Forever 21 app. I really dig the large, crisp images on this app. I love that you can browse the lookbooks that are regularly refreshed, and both products and prices are clearly displayed. I also love that you can connect to their blog right through the app.
At number two is the Old Navy app … one of my favorites. Everyone knows I love to save, so I love that Old Navy puts their coupons and discount codes right on the homepage. They also have sharp product shots, and the ability to connect to both the Old Navy Pinterest page AND other Gap brands.
And now for my number one favorite shopping app: the Sephora app. There is so much I love about this app — they have everything from virtual nail polish try-ons to video tutorials on how to do makeup. They’ve also got mobile-only offers, a scanner, free samples and staff picks.
So … what are your favorite shopping apps?
PS – In the interest of full disclosure and just plain old honesty, I have been invited by IBM to share my honest thoughts and experiences around Smarter Commerce, and as part of this collaboration, IBM may provide me with product, access, content or other forms of remuneration. All opinions are expressly my own. #spon