In-app pandemic shopping busts Christmas record in Europe

In-app shopping has soared, with a 35% rise in e-commerce app installs across Europe – highlighting how marketers need to invest in their owned properties to drive sales and mimic in-person shopping experiences.

In-app shopping has soared in Europe under lockdown

Shopping app usage has hit a new high

• The State of Shopping App Marketing, produced by Appsflyer, rests on proprietary global data gleaned from 2.3bn non-organic app installs spanning 1,800 apps, 14 billion conversations and 390bn sessions.

• Across the UK, shopping app usage jumped to 7.6% in May and 8% in June – breaching the 7.1% level achieved in November 2019.

• Demand for e-commerce apps also surged in Europe during lockdown, but to a lower level at just 7% in May – still ahead of the 6.7% attained last November.

• Between February and May the UK saw a 156% jump in iOS non-organic installs while Android leapt 142%.

• The EMEA region saw a 56% jump in non-organic installs over the same period.

• Amid the turmoil, spending spiked in the spring with British consumer shopping spend beating the fourth quarter equivalent in all categories.

• The UK also witnessed a 166% boost to ad spend between march and June.

• Overall consumer spending reached 13% in May 2020 compared to 11.5% in November 2019

• Looking at fashion specifically consumer spend rose 14% in May compared to 10.3% the previous November

• General retail meanwhile reached 12.5% in May versus 12.3% the previous November.

Why it matters

• E-commerce activity this holiday season is expected to set new records according to the report, affording an enormous opportunity but also “… pressure to not only provide access to e-commerce via shopping apps, but to also implement creativity, compassion and understanding throughout marketing efforts and UX.”

• Doug McMillen, vice president of enterprise strategy at AppsFlyer said: “… a frictionless experience is essential as brick and mortar physical shoppers navigate a new-to-them mobile experience, marketers are now armed with the data and direction needed to create positive impact and ROI.”