Thursday 16 June 2011

We're getting addicted to Tablets!

So I said I'd post with my findings from Social Media Influence 2011 (twitter hashtag is #SMI11) which I will do shortly, but first this... Some interesting stats from EBay on the sale of tablet computers on their site.

EBay have reported that the sale of tablet computers and accessories on their UK site have increased ten-fold over the past year, overtaking traditional desk-top PCs as consumers seek out portable alternatives (we simply haven't the time to sit still! in one place! at a desk! whilst we browse the t'interweb!)
But that's actually not the interesting bit. Yes, the fact that tablets made up 15% of computers sold on Ebay.co.uk is a significant move on in this market- but the real story is what impact that might have on retail in general.




Check out what Angus McCarey, retail director for Ebay UK said on the topic: “People shop differently on mobile and tablets versus traditional PCs: they spend more money, do more browsing and purchase across a wider variety of products. iPad shoppers on eBay spend approximately 40% more than an average iPhone user, and we expect to see similar trends with other tablet users.”
With “Competition and innovation in the tablet computer market ... more and more consumers become part of the mobile shopping trend. So far this year, Ebay has attracted 300,000 new customers globally making their first purchase via one of the mobile apps.”
That is big news for retailers and the economy at large- as supported by the findings of a recent Ebay study carried out by Verdict; which found that mobile shopping could deliver a £4.5bn boost to Britain’s economy by 2016 and a further £13bn by 2021.
Incidentally the research also revealed that m-commerce is on the verge of a potential four-fold increase over the next five years as consumers become more comfortable with shopping via smartphones and tablet computers

So instead of glaring jealously (or is that just me?) at those people on the train showing off their second generation IPads and white IPhone 4s; whilst thanking them for boosting the economy by spending more of what hard-earnt dough they've got left; we should also note (grudgingly) that they're ahead of the curve, yet again...

They'll love that ;)