37 M-commerce Statistics & Trends In 2023

Shopping on the go is so convenient for both shoppers and retailers that the trend is constantly rising. Mobile commerce statistics confirm that businesses are taking advantage of that technology big time. 

What’s more, predictions estimate the US m-commerce will reach over $418 billion by 2024. Numerous stats and reports indicate that this trend will only continue to grow in the future. 

But let’s take it one step at a time and focus on the present.

• Mobile e-commerce statistics report that there are over 6.3 billion smartphones worldwide.
• 79% of smartphone users made a purchase online in the last six months.
• More than 50% of all internet traffic comes from mobile devices. 
• In 2021, mobile shopping accounted for 5.9% of retail sales in the US.
• 80% of shoppers in physical stores researched products on their phones. 
• Over 92 million people in the US used mobile payments in 2020.
• The global m-commerce industry was worth $2.91 trillion in 2020.
• In 2020, mobile shopping made up 70.4% of ecommerce.
• The US alone spends over $330 billion in mcommerce sales annually. 

Mcommerce vs Ecommerce

Ecommerce stands for electronic commerce, meaning that the transactions are carried through electronic devices.

In contrast, mcommerce is bound strictly to transactions via mobile devices like smartphones or tablets. 

That said, customers usually prefer mcommerce because it’s a lot easier to pay with mobile on the go than using desktop computers. 

Now that we have a basic understanding of the definitions let’s dive deeper.

Mobile Ecommerce Statistics

Mmcommerce has a lot to tell us, so let’s check it out. 

1. There Are Over 6.3 Billion Smartphones Worldwide.

(Source: Statista) 

• 67% of the population owned a mobile phone in 2019.
• In contrast, approximately 62.9% owned a mobile phone in 2016.
• 79% of smartphone users made a purchase online in the second half of 2020.

That’s over two billion people. But the growing commerce role of smartphones is hardly surprising.

2. 61% of Mobile Consumers Are Likely to Contact a Local Business if It Has a Mobile Site.

(Source: BrightLocal)

• More than 50% of all internet traffic is from mobile devices. 
• 80% of shoppers in physical stores research products on their phones. 

Besides, the average person with a smartphone uses their phone more than four hours a day. Who could resist joining online trends on the go?  

Mcommerce is growing exponentially. But what can it tell us about purchasing behavior?

3. Close to 70% of Mobile Searches Result in a User Action Within an Hour.

(Source: Industry Dive)

• In contrast, desktop users need a month to reach a buying decision. 
• In 2021, mobile shopping accounted for 5.9% of retail sales in the US.

So, if you amaze your online visitors with content and offers, you’ll likely make a profit.

4. The Global M-Commerce Industry Was Worth $2.91 Trillion in 2020.

(Source: Statista)

• Mobile shopping made up 70.4% of worldwide ecommerce in 2020.
• M commerce statistics report that 40% of mobile users search for a local business, while 72% visit the store within five miles.

But why should you care?

5. Consumers Who Use Mobile Devices for Shopping Spend Twice as Much Money.

(Source: Retail Dive)

• That said, 53% of consumers will stop using a service if loading takes more than three seconds.
• Users are 7% more likely to leave a site each second it loads. You need to keep on top of that to ensure the user experience can generate a profit.
• Plus, 48% of consumers will spend more if their shopping experience is personalized. 

Mcommerce is gaining popularity daily. After all, it’s one of the most effective ways to improve sales and revenue.

A decade ago, a regular shopper would find products online or through a catalog, go to the store for more information, and buy the product with cash or credit cards. Today, with the rise of mobile phone use, the entire process is much faster, and it all happens on one device. 

6. M Commerce Brought in $1.4 Trillion in 2020.

(Source: Mordor Intelligence)

• Ecommerce reached $4.2 trillion in 2020. 
• The number of people who use their phones for shopping rose by 29.1% between 2017–2018. 

The future of mobile commerce has a lot to show us. Let’s take a peek.

7. 2019 Statistics Predicted That China Would Become the First Country With Over $1 Trillion in Online Spending.

(Source: Statista)

• They weren’t wrong. China has the largest online shopping market, spending over $1.8 trillion in 2020.
• It’s estimated that US mobile commerce will reach over $418 billion by 2024.
• The US alone spends more than $330 billion in mcommerce sales each year. 

By now, we’re pretty sure you want in. So, where can your business catch on?

Nowadays, people spend more time on their phones than ever. Most users reach for their devices first thing in the morning and at breakfast.

8. 53% of Users Shop Through Company-Specific Apps.

(Source: Build Fire)

• Time spent on apps increased by 80% between 2019–2021.
• By creating a mobile phone app, businesses can gain user data. M commerce statistics show that 86% of mobile usage activity comes from apps, so companies can use that to market their goods efficiently.

Marketing for mcommerce is somewhat different from traditional marketing. One way to get your product out there is to include it in subscription box offers to reach more people.

9. Over 50% of All Internet Traffic Is Mobile.

(Source: OuterBox)

• 57% of US consumers use a store app in the physical store. It’s most often to find deals, coupons, and product information. 
• Around 55% of consumers have purchased through social media. 

All aspects of our lives are moving online. Let’s see what’s happening with one of the longest-standing institutions.

We live in a digital age where many banks offer applications with which you can pay, deposit a check, find an ATM, or transfer money to your family. Simply put, it’s convenient.

10. 1.9 Billion Smartphone Owners Used Mobile Banking in 2020.

(Source: Statista)

• Over 92 million people in the US used mobile payments in 2020.
• In 2017, that number sat at around 48 million. So it nearly doubled in three years. 

Banking and mobile payment statistics give us a pretty good idea of where this is all going.

11. 99% of Gen Z Use a Mobile Banking App.

(Source: CNBC)

• That’s also true for 98% of Millenials. 
• Mobile wallet usage statistics in 2021 show that millennials make up 81% of the customers. Users can add their bank details to a mobile wallet app and pay with it instead of debit or credit card.
• Mobile phone statistics also show that more than one billion mobile users worldwide rely on their phones for banking.

Mobile commerce trends show a definite shift from physical payments to mobile. So your business should provide multiple payment methods to fit the needs of all customers and remain relevant.

Let’s look into the future by exploring the most recent trends.

12. The Mobile Wallet Sector Is Set to Reach $3.5 Trillion by 2023.

(Source: Retail Dive) 

• In 2018, 60% of consumers wanted a mobile payment option, but it wasn’t available.
• In 2020, everything changed with the COVID-19 pandemic. Businesses no longer had a choice, leading to an 18% increase in contactless payments in the US between 2019–2020.
• More than 50% of customers wanted to receive coupons via a mobile device during the same period. The good news is that you can make this possible by setting up a solid mcommerce space.

And that’s not all mobile retail trends show us.  

13. 61% of Customers Use a Store Savings App at Least Once a Month.

(Source: Valassis)

• 49% of consumers have felt the negative impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on their finances. That creates the perfect opportunity to bring in new customers with specials and digital coupons. 
• Also, 49% of people were comfortable shopping indoors in 2020. So if you don’t have an online shopping space, you’ll miss nearly 50% of customers. The COVID-19 increased food deliveries drastically. If you’re looking to try something new but still want homecooked meals, consider subscribing to meal kit delivery.
• 61% of customers prefer to shop at local stores. So it’s a good idea to use your neighborhood as a marketing tool for local clients. 

Mobile commerce statistics show us how things are shifting and how important it is to hop on board. 

Investing in a mcommerce platform has some undeniable benefits for your business:

• You can have lower inventory levels.
• Customers won’t have to go to the store or wait in line.
• There’s no need to travel to a specific location to purchase whatever you need.
• The overall cost of running a business is significantly less.
• Mobile users statistics show that it also encourages impulse purchases.
• It’s more secure compared to ecommerce.

But nothing is 100% positive. Let’s check some of the drawbacks.

The shifting online market means business owners need to fine-tune their online presence:

• Customers won’t use a service that loads in more than three seconds. So, even if you’re just starting, it’s crucial to have a professionally optimized website to reap the maximum benefits of mcommerce. 
• Expect competition. Many businesses will offer the same service you do, and customers will have the final say. That’s why it’s a good idea to invest in your SEO.
• You need to stand out. Due to the tremendous mcommerce growth, you need to find a way to shine in a global market. 
• Managing users’ information has consequences. Over 60% of mobile services struggle to avert fraud. 

Overall, it’s not as simple as it sounds. Still, upgrading to a mobile user-friendly website can help you bring new customers.

Ecommerce retailers need to pay attention to mcommerce, too. By following mobile commerce statistics and switching to a mobile-friendly website, business owners will ensure a better client experience. And in return, they’ll get results sooner. 

In any case, mcommerce isn’t going anywhere, so every business should adapt to the new shopping trends.

1. Statista
2. BrightLocal
3. Industry Dive
4. Statista
5. Retail Dive
6. Mordor Intelligence
7. Statista 
8. Build Fire
9. OuterBox
10. Statista 
11. CNBC
12. Retail Dive
13. Valassis