Arcadia Group has announced it is to launch five new iPad apps for its high street retailers Topman, Burton, Dorothy Perkins, Evans and Wallis by May, with Android versions following in the summer.
Developed by Red Ant, the raft of iPad apps aim to build on the success of the existing Topshop app which the group launched in 2012 and Arcadia’s portfolio of iPhone apps, which took more than £3m in sales over Christmas last year. Group-wide mobile and tablet revenue has grown some 250 per cent year on year with mobile and tablet devices accounting for a third Arcadia’s online visits and a quarter of online revenue.
“The Topshop iPhone app has been a huge success, delivering unique mobile experiences such as live streaming and designer exclusives during London Fashion Week,” commented group customer experience manager at Arcadia, Henry Firth.
“Given the huge rise in customers using different devices, developing our mobile and tablet channels is a key focus for Arcadia. As well as rolling out iPad and Android apps, we’re also working on a best-in-class mobile web experience.”
The apps will allow shoppers to browse the full catalogue in both on and offline mode as well as purchase items directly from the app. Store locator and wish list functions are also included. The apps can be used to scan barcodes to find products in store and shoppers will be able to have items delivered to their nearest outlet via Arcadia’s new collect from store service.
Red Ant CEO, Dan Mortimer, added: “Arcadia Group is a dominant force on UK high streets, and we’ve worked closely with them to offer a shopping experience without frontiers – one which allows customers to fully immerse themselves in the brand on their mobile, in-store and via their social connections. The future of digital commerce depends on retail breaking down barriers to purchase, and Arcadia is pioneering this in the UK.”