Mobile internet a must for shoppers

More and more shoppers are accessing the internet on the move to help them grab a bargain.

Consumers still like to look and touch items before making a purchase – especially products such as electronics and clothes. But once they’ve decided what they want, they’re using their mobile devices to check the internet and bag the cheapest deal.

Details of this new trend emerged as early adopters of the internet-capable Broadband Anywhere BT ToGo smartphone were quizzed about their shopping habits.

Said BT ToGO customer Kenneth Bundy: “It’s like having a consumer panel in your pocket. When I’m on the high street I can now find out what other shoppers think before making a purchase. Price checking on larger items also makes me feel I’m more likely to pay a fair price.”

According to BT futurologist Ian Neild, mobile broadband is changing consumer behaviour.

“Consumers can now do the things they would normally do at home when they are out and about,” he said.

“The ease with which they can go online to sites like Pricerunner or TripAdvisor to inform their buying decisions puts added pressure on high-street retailers to offer the best prices and the product ranges that people want. The days of the internet being something for the home are over. For a growing number of savvy shoppers, the online and in-store worlds have now merged,” he added.