Tablets, Not Smartphones, Drive Digital

Despite predictions that more people will use smartphones, a survey revealed that it is the tablet that drives people to go digital.

The survey, conducted by InMobi, showed that tablets like Apple’s iPad and Samsung’s Galaxy Tab have a deeper impact on consumers. Data also showed that more tablets are sold compared to smartphones, and that tablets are the preferred device.

The global survey also revealed that tablet use may contribute to the continuing decline of the brick-and-mortar retail. Research showed that about 16 percent of tablet users have shopped less in traditional physical stores.

More than 30 percent also read the physical books while close to 30 percent read less print.

According to InMobi, the book and retail industries should expect more publishers and retailers to come up with tablet-specific promos and activities.

The survey sought the response of about 630 Australians.

It seems retailers are taking notice. Myer’s Fountain Gate is scheduled to open its Victoria store in the next few months and would have 50 percent less space. One feature that is expected to change how Fountain Gate shoppers buy is the use of iPads.

According to Myer chief executive officer Bernie Brookes, shoppers would have access to the entire inventory through the iPad. Instead of stocking the entire floor space with physical goods, shoppers can browse via the tablet and just pick up the items from the physical store.

Brookes said there is no need to get big spaces and maintain a huge inventory. Tablets would make things more efficient.