Imagine you no longer have a smartphone! You can't check the news, call a taxi, or order yourself dinner. You stop being a participant in the market. The same can be said about a business that is not ready to launch applications; it will most likely cease to be a market player in the near future.
In Kazakhstan, with its technologically advanced population and rapidly growing market, supermarkets have transformed into high-tech players in the retail industry.
Sailet specializes in developing mobile applications and IT solutions for businesses in Kazakhstan. Our innovative products help collect and analyze data, improve marketing strategies, and increase profits. For our projects, we actively study the retail market, and today we are sharing our insights with you.
Mobile Applications as a Tool for Transforming Retail in Kazakhstan
According to the Ministry of Digital Development, Innovations, and Aerospace Industry of the Republic of Kazakhstan, in 2023, the number of mobile internet users in the country exceeded 80% of the total population. This creates immense potential for supermarkets aiming to enhance the customer experience and boost sales through mobile platforms.
Many Kazakhstani chains, such as Magnum Cash & Carry and Small, have already successfully implemented mobile applications. According to a study by Deloitte Kazakhstan, businesses using mobile applications report a 15% increase in average transaction value and a 25% rise in visit frequency.
Mobile applications are no longer out of reach for medium-sized businesses, and many companies are already using them. Supermarkets in large cities are ordering app development and beginning to enhance their customer service.
Global Leaders in Retail Technology Usage
Globally, retail leaders are actively integrating mobile technologies into their business models:
- Walmart in the USA has implemented apps with a scan-and-go feature, allowing customers to scan and pay for items without cash registers, speeding up the shopping process and reducing queues.
- Tesco in the UK uses mobile apps to provide personalized offers based on the analysis of customer behavior.
- Alibaba in China, through its Hema supermarket chain, integrates online and offline shopping via a mobile app, creating a seamless experience for customers.
These examples demonstrate that mobile applications are not just a convenience but a strategic tool for improving business efficiency and competitiveness. Controlling the customer experience helps tailor product solutions for the business.
Potential and Opportunities for Kazakhstani Supermarkets
For Kazakhstani supermarkets, mobile applications offer a number of advantages:
- Data Collection and Analysis: Enables understanding customer preferences and creating personalized offers.
- Loyalty Programs: Integration into the app encourages repeat purchases and improves customer retention.
- Delivery Services: In the context of urbanization and the growth of megacities like Almaty and Astana, home delivery is becoming critically important.
- Enhancing Customer Experience: A user-friendly interface and access to up-to-date information increase customer satisfaction.
According to a PwC Kazakhstan study, 65% of Kazakhstani consumers prefer stores with mobile applications that offer personalized discounts and convenient services.
Risks for Supermarkets Without Digital Transformation
Supermarkets ignoring digital transformation face several serious risks:
- Loss of Customers: Shoppers switch to competitors offering more modern and convenient solutions.
- Missed Opportunities: Without data collection, it is challenging to adapt to the changing needs of the market.
- Low Marketing Efficiency: Traditional advertising methods are becoming less effective in the digital age.
Why Do Supermarkets Without Apps Lose Money?
In Almaty, Astana, Shymkent, and other major cities in Kazakhstan, life is getting faster. Those who have yet to adapt to this reality are falling behind, losing not only customers but also millions of tenge in potential revenue. But why?
1. Promotions and Discounts Are Missed
Apps like Magnum and Small allow their users to stay informed about all promotions and special offers in just two clicks. It's no secret that Kazakhstani shoppers love discounts.
2. No Data — No Revenue
Mobile applications allow for the collection of vast amounts of data: what your customers buy, when they most often visit the store, which promotions work, and which do not. Based on this data, you can create personalized offers, encourage repeat purchases, and optimize your product assortment.
3. No Mobile Loyalty — No Stable Sales
Loyalty programs integrated into mobile apps are a customer magnet. For example, users of the Magnum app can accumulate bonuses and use them for their next purchases. We have developed a special guide on launching loyalty programs for our readers. Get it for free via this link!
Potential for Supermarkets in Kazakhstan
Kazakhstan is a rapidly growing market with immense opportunities for retail. The extensive reach of digital banking and taxi services provides an excellent foundation for developing the mobile app market for retail.
If your supermarket still does not have a mobile app, it’s time to rethink your strategy. Technologies for retail in Kazakhstan are not the future but the present reality. If you still view apps as something elitist or inaccessible, fill out the form for a free consultation via this link.
Our Expertise in Retail Digital Transformation
Using artificial intelligence and data analytics, Sailet creates applications that not only simplify the shopping process for customers but also enable businesses to make informed decisions based on real data.
We have prepared a free guide on developing effective loyalty programs for supermarkets. Fill out the form via the link, and we will send it to your email!
Don’t forget that modern customers value convenience, personalization, and time savings. By offering these features through mobile applications, you enhance their loyalty and drive sales growth.
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