We have been hearing from a number of reports that eCommerce stores have either shut down their desktop websites or they have largely scaled down their web operations in favor of apps. In India, FlipKart announced many months ago that it would phase out its web operations and focus only on its app. Similarly, Uber and Ola, which are GPS-enabled taxi aggregators, operate only through applications.
An increasing number of eCommerce stores no longer consider building a website but focus on apps. While this could be seen as a prevailing trend, it certainly does not spell an end to desktop eCommerce. There are many reasons for this. In this article, let us take a look at some of the reasons why desktop eCommerce is here to stay, and how it is only going to support app based eCommerce in future.
Neither is mutually exclusive and both forms of eCommerce will help companies to target different audiences at different times. Certainly, it is important to bear in mind that desktop eCommerce as we knew it may have changed, but it certainly is not the end of it.
A large percentage of people still use desktops
While the statistics may tell you that it makes no sense anymore to have a desktop store, the reality is quite different. Most people who have purchasing power still invest money in Macs and PCs. this is because, they tend to be more educated and affluent, allowing them the money to invest in larger computers. When there is a desktop or a laptop around, people are more likely to make purchases on it.
It is easier to compare products on a large computer
Even people who prefer to shop on their mobile phones usually compare several products on a computer. This is because of the sheer ergonomic benefits that a PC or Mac provides. It is easier to compare, list and add products to favorites than on a mobile application. Of course, a lot depends on how a website is built and how an app is developed. Yet, we cannot ignore the fact that laptops and desktops are more ergonomic to conduct searches.
Mobile eCommerce is not mutually exclusive with desktop eCommerce
Just because a large percentage of people use their mobile phones to browse does not mean you should automatically consider desktop eCommerce as redundant. On the other hand, neither is mutually exclusive and both can have a symbiotic relationship in helping to grow your eCommerce business. At the end of the day, it really is more important to ensure that you have responsive websites and applications which work together, and not separately.
Desktops will create a niche
It is more likely than ever that desktops and laptops will become the choice of device for professionals, artists and those who need to work a lot. We are already seeing a trend where designers prefer Macs. Such a scenario will make it easier for you to design desktop eCommerce websites that are targeted at certain specific populations while mobile apps are targeted at the masses.
What to expect in future
If someone tells you that desktop eCommerce is coming to a grinding halt and that there is no future for it, they are obviously mistaken. It is a more prudent and wise thing to do if you are able to find a balance between your desktop and mobile eCommerce operations. This will help you to target both the specialized niche audiences and the masses. Last but not the least; ensure that your websites and apps follow the responsive design protocol.
