Mobile Commerce Minute

CES has always brought with it the promise of the future but quite often what is on display will never become real products. In this quick hit, Chuck details which company impressed him during the pre-conference press demonstrations - one with actual product that may really ship.

Chuck offers his thoughts upon returning from Las Vegas and The International CES Show. Some good, some bad, some completely odd and some things he is looking forward to trying out.

 

I think it is safe to say that Christmas 2013 was really mobile’s debutant ball. The numbers are staggering when it comes to the influence mobile had just on transactions - not to mention how it helped in the decision making process. Here, for your viewing pleasure, are the latest stats from IBM on this mobile-fuelled shopping season.

Chuck details his challenge of setting up and using ISIS - the mobile wallet partnership between American Express, Wells Fargo and Chase. Needless to say there are kinks to be worked out - well, not just kinks...Watch on.

Is what a shopper wants different than what retailers are giving them through their mobile applications? The answer is yes. The disconnect is amazing when you look at what is offered versus what is being asked for. Retailers take note, consumers (you and I) are astute, engaged and ready for more than the location of the nearest store.

2013 ended with a mobile commerce flourish between the American Thanksgiving and Boxing Day. Was this the culmination of a number of trends that poked their head up during the rest of the year? We look back at some of the most popular and contentious articles Chuck wrote during the year to see. We also look a little into the future of what to expect in 2014.

The International CES Show is HUGE and often overwhelming. Hear what Chuck is focusing on and some of the companies he is looking forward to seeing when he visits Vegas this year.

IBM Research released their "5 in 5" report in which they predict local shopping will come back in favour over the next 5 years. Does this hold water? Do retailers understand what it is they need to do in order to make this happen? Chuck gives us a little more insight into what this will look like and whether he thinks they can do it.

Mobile is all about context - the where, when and why that will eventually enable its every use. Pricing is, at its root, the same thing - a balance between demand and supply where scarcity and desire are its fuel. What happens when you put the two together? Perhaps prices are manipulated but more good should come of it than evil as value goes beyond the price you'd pay.

Applebee's is putting 100,000 tablets on the tables in their restaurants for patrons to order from. Is this a trend that we will see more of or is it a waste of money as most of us turn to our smartphones instead?