By Ben Moore

Even though it may not be the best actual type of mobile phone the iPhone (and other smart phones) have replaced many different types of technology.

They pack mobile communication, internet access, general directory, music player, multi-filtered camera and as many applications as you want into one handy device.

It is no wonder that more people are using their hand held devices to shop. Mobile Commerce or m-commerce transactions are predicted to rise rapidly in the coming years.

It is worrying to read in both Business & Leadership and on the eBusiness Live page from Enterprise Ireland that retailers seem to be lagging behind in this new competitive area of marketing.

Even though there are spots around our country where your mobile is sent information about a business in the area e.g. Bus Stop Newsagent, Londis, Pearse Street Dart Station, these are merely messages sent via Bluetooth and is the tip of the iceberg.

We have talked about Marketing Tags in a previous blog, they will be part of the m-commerce revolution where you can pass your phone over an image and with the correct App your phone will be taken to a website the company want you to see.

These devices give people more control over their own shopping habits. They can browse products where ever and whenever they want. The smart phones are giving your keyboard or lap-top a run for their money in the shopping stakes.

Retailers will have to engage with their customers using m-commerce as it looks set to rise in a few years how e-commerce has risen in the last fifteen.

Will this alter the face of consumer habits as we know it?

Is traditional shopping dead?

How will the growing ‘engagement’ seeking consumers view a shop that does not also deal in ‘e & m-commerce’?

Please let us know what you think.