Last updated on October 16th, 2024
What if you could revolutionize the online shopping market and transform the customer shopping experience? Welcome to the world of shopping apps, where convenience merges with cutting-edge technology to deliver a seamless user experience. By investing in shopping app development, you can ride the wave of increasing online shopping demand, which shows no signs of slowing. According to recent studies, there are now over 2.14 billion internet shoppers, a significant jump from a few years ago.
Given the current global population of 7.9 billion, this means that approximately 27% of the world’s population are digital consumers. This highlights the immense potential and lucrative business opportunities available through online shopping app development. This blog aims to provide entrepreneurs with valuable insights on how to build an online shopping app like Macys.
What is Macy’s – an Online Shopping App?
Macy’s is an innovative online shopping platform designed to allow users to explore and purchase a variety of products from the convenience of their mobile devices, anytime, anywhere. The app boasts an extensive range of items, including accessories, clothing, home appliances, and cosmetics, among others. Users have the advantage of browsing the newest collections, gaining personalized recommendations, and accessing exclusive deals and discounts.
Beyond the standard shopping functionalities, Macy’s app offers practical features such as the ability to create lists for better organization of shopping needs, utilize a style board for outfit curation and receive feedback from friends. In essence, Macy’s serves as a comprehensive mobile hub for all shopping and browsing needs.
Future Prediction of Online Shopping
The increasing preference for new e-commerce technologies aligns closely with the rise in online retail popularity. The convenience of online shopping has seen significant growth, and as a result, the global eCommerce market is projected to grow by nearly $13 trillion between 2022 and 2027. The following graph illustrates the expected expansion of online shopping over this period.
- The E-commerce market in the United States is expected to see a cumulative revenue increase of $8 billion (+53.79%) between 2024 and 2029.
- By 2029, the market is anticipated to reach $9 trillion, hitting a new all-time high.
- This growth marks the tenth consecutive year of expansion for the U.S. E-commerce market.
Also Read: Crafting a Perfect App: Essential Steps in Shopping App Development
Top 5 Online Shopping Apps
If you are considering developing a shopping app for your e-commerce business, it is crucial to study your competitors. This research will provide insights into necessary features, customer expectations, and competition levels, enabling you to strategize effectively. Here is an overview of top online shopping apps along with their download statistics to give you a better understanding of the marketplace.
| Shopping App | Downloads (Millions) | Key Features |
| Amazon | 1500 | Wide range of products, fast shipping, user-friendly interface, personalized recommendations |
| Walmart | 800 | Groceries and general merchandise, easy reorder, store pickup options |
| eBay | 600 | Auction and buy-it-now options, diverse categories, global marketplace |
| AliExpress | 500 | Affordable prices, diverse products, buyer protection scheme |
| Target | 400 | In-store and online deals, easy curbside pickup, Target Circle loyalty program |
1. Amazon
Amazon is a giant in the e-commerce industry, with over 1500 million downloads worldwide. It offers a wide range of products from books and electronics to groceries and fashion items. The app also provides fast shipping options, with Prime members receiving free two-day delivery on eligible purchases. With a user-friendly interface and personalized recommendations, app like Amazon makes online shopping convenient and efficient for its customers.
2. Walmart
Walmart’s shopping app has been downloaded over 800 million times, reflecting its immense popularity. Apart from general merchandise, the app also offers grocery shopping options with the added convenience of in-store pickup or home delivery, catering to a variety of customer needs. Customers can easily reorder their favorite items, and the app’s intuitive interface makes managing shopping lists straightforward. Additionally, users can save money through weekly ads, and access exclusive deals through the Savings Catcher feature. The app also provides personalized recommendations, helping shoppers discover new products tailored to their preferences.
3. eBay
With over 600 million downloads, eBay is a popular online marketplace that offers both auction and buy-it-now options. Users can find a diverse range of categories covering everything from electronics, fashion, and beauty products to collectibles, home goods, and even vehicles. One distinctive feature of eBay is its global presence, allowing customers to buy and sell products from all over the world, creating a truly international shopping experience. An app like eBay also supports various payment methods, making transactions convenient and accessible to a broad audience. The app provides buyer protection, ensuring a safe shopping experience for its users by offering guarantees and dispute resolution services. Additionally, eBay’s advanced search filters and personalized recommendations help users find exactly what they are looking for, making it a user-friendly platform for both buyers and sellers.
4. AliExpress
AliExpress has gained immense popularity in recent years, with over 500 million app downloads worldwide. The platform offers affordable prices on a diverse selection of products, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious shoppers. The app’s interface is user-friendly, making it easy to navigate and find products from various categories, including fashion, electronics, home goods, and more. AliExpress also offers buyer protection, ensuring secure transactions for its customers. One unique feature of AliExpress is its “superdeals” section, where users can find top-selling items at discounted prices.
Furthermore, AliExpress provides a seamless shopping experience by offering multiple payment methods and supporting several languages to cater to its international user base. The app also offers personalized recommendations based on the user’s browsing history, making it easier for them to discover new products that align with their interests.
5. Target
Target is a popular retail chain that also offers an app for an enhanced shopping experience. The Target app allows users to easily browse and purchase products from its wide range of categories, including clothing, home goods, beauty, and more. One standout feature of the Target app is its integration with the in-store experience. Users can use the app to scan items in-store and add them to their online shopping cart for later purchase. The Target app also provides access to exclusive deals and discounts through their “Cartwheel” feature. Users can save these offers directly to their account for easy use at checkout. Additionally, with Target’s same-day delivery or curbside pickup options, customers can receive their purchases quickly. This convenience factor sets Target apart from its competitors and adds to the overall positive shopping experience for consumers.
How Do Online Shopping Apps Work?
Do you know how shopping apps work? If you’re planning to develop an online shopping app, such as Macy’s, it’s crucial to understand their functionality. Knowing the internal workings will guide you in making informed decisions for successful e-commerce app development solutions. If you’re not acquainted with the process, consider the following work steps for a shopping app as a fundamental guide.
- Users explore a range of products through categories, personalized recommendations, or search functions.
- They select their favorite product, including options like color, quantity, and size, and add it to their virtual shopping cart.
- Users review their cart contents, including prices and any applicable taxes, before proceeding to checkout.
- Many stores offer a guest checkout option, though creating an account can make future purchases more convenient by saving user preferences.
- Users choose their preferred shipping method, balancing speed and cost.
- Secure payment information is entered, such as credit card details or digital wallet login.
- Once the payment is processed, users receive an order confirmation along with a tracking number.
- Users can log in to their accounts to track the order’s progress and receive notifications about shipping and arrival.
- Shopping apps typically offer flexible return policies, allowing users to return products within a specific timeframe if they are unsatisfied.
5 Benefits of Developing Online Shopping Apps
If your e-commerce business lacks a mobile app, you’re likely missing out on a significant portion of customers who favour shopping via their smartphones. Whether your inventory includes clothes, cosmetics, electronics, or any other products, a mobile app can substantially benefit your business. To understand these advantages better, consider the following points:
1. Brand Recognition
Mobile applications maintain a constant presence on users’ phones. Each time they unlock their device and see your app’s logo, it reinforces their awareness of your brand. This frequent reminder makes it more likely that they’ll turn to your app for future purchases due to the convenience it offers.
2. Better Efficiency
Online shopping platforms enable customers to shop more conveniently while simultaneously boosting your business’s and team’s operational efficiency. Developing a highly optimized shopping application with a user-friendly interface and robust features can enhance your sales and streamline the customer experience. By reducing manual tasks and automating processes like inventory management and order processing, you can minimize errors and accelerate your operational workflow, allowing your team to focus more on strategic initiatives and customer engagement.
3. Cost-effective Marketing and Promotions
For businesses seeking budget-friendly marketing solutions, in-app promotions and targeted push notifications present ideal options. These methods are more economical compared to traditional advertising avenues. By creating a shopping app like Target, you can efficiently reach a highly engaged audience with pinpoint accuracy, thereby maximizing your return on investment.
4. Improved Customer Loyalty
Online shopping applications play a vital role in boosting customer loyalty by offering a more customized shopping journey. Leveraging data and analytics, these applications can deliver personalized promotions, tailored product suggestions, and exclusive offers that cater to individual preferences. This personalization fosters greater customer satisfaction and encourages repeat business, ultimately enhancing customer retention.
5. Competitive Advantage
Mobile sales trends are constantly evolving, but having an online shopping app like Macy’s can help you stand out in the competitive online market. It demonstrates your dedication to customer convenience and innovation, making your business more appealing to tech-savvy shoppers.
Read More: How to Make a Shopping App
7 Key Steps to Build an Online Shopping App Like Macy’s
Now, let’s delve into the most crucial aspect of this blog—building an online shopping app like Macy’s. For some, the process may seem straightforward, whereas for others it may present considerable challenges, largely depending on their specific needs. However, if you’re unfamiliar with the process of developing a shopping app, here’s a step-by-step guide to help you get started.
1. Conduct Market Research
The initial and most critical step in creating an online shopping app like Macy’s involves conducting thorough market research. This step’s primary goal is to gain insights into your target audience and the competitive landscape. It is essential to identify what potential customers expect from your app that they can’t find in existing offerings. Additionally, studying your competitors to comprehend their strategies is crucial. Furthermore, researching current e-commerce trends and user behavior patterns is vital to tailor your app accordingly.
2. Choose the Best Tech Stack
The performance, maintenance, and scalability of your app hinge on the technology stack you select for its development. Therefore, it’s crucial to opt for the most suitable technology stack that ensures your app is both scalable and robust. If you lack expertise in selecting the appropriate tech stack, seeking help from a seasoned iPhone or Android app development company with comprehensive knowledge of front-end and back-end technologies can be invaluable.
3. Craft an Intuitive UI/UX
An effective user interface and user experience are pivotal to your shopping app’s success. Macy’s app exemplifies an intuitive and uncluttered design, enabling users to effortlessly browse products, add items to their carts, apply filters, and complete their purchases. Your app should similarly aim to deliver a visually appealing and user-friendly interface. Prioritizing features such as high-quality product images, efficient search filters, and comprehensive product descriptions will significantly enhance the user experience and satisfaction.
4. Develop the App
Now that you have a defined vision and chosen the optimal tech stack, it’s time to start developing your online shopping app. This stage involves programming the app’s key functionalities and features, including product listings, shopping cart, filter options, payment gateway, and user accounts. Close collaboration with your Android or iPhone app development company during this phase is crucial to ensure that your app operates seamlessly and efficiently. Begin with a minimum viable product (MVP) and progressively integrate additional features as necessary.
5. Testing and Quality Assurance
As you roll out one of the premier shopping apps, ensuring optimal performance across all facets is essential. Partner with an experienced eCommerce web development company to execute a range of tests, including user acceptance testing, unit testing, performance testing, and functional testing. These tests are instrumental in detecting and resolving any bugs prior to deployment. Additionally, soliciting feedback from the developers will help guarantee a seamless user experience across different devices and operating systems.
6. Launching and Marketing
Now, it’s showtime! Build anticipation and excitement in relevant online communities and on social media. Utilize influencer marketing and targeted advertising to effectively reach your audience. Additionally, app store optimization can be your hidden gem for discoverability. By enhancing your app store listing with captivating screenshots, pertinent keywords, and an engaging app description, you can improve its search ranking.
7. Provide Continuous Support and Upgrades
You are not finished with your app deployment. Gathering user feedback and app analytics data is crucial to pinpoint areas needing further improvement. Hire dedicated developers to ensure regular updates to your shopping app, including bug fixes, new features, and security patches. Providing excellent customer support is also essential to address user queries and maintain a positive brand image.
10 Must-have Features of Online Shopping Apps
A successful shopping app does more than just showcase products. It must provide a convenient, seamless, and engaging user experience. To gain insights into unique features that can help you create a winning shopping app, you can find more information here:
| Feature | Description |
| User-friendly Interface | A clean, intuitive design ensures users can navigate effortlessly, enhancing the overall shopping experience. |
| Secure Payment Options | Multiple, secure payment gateways build trust and convenience for users, including credit cards, digital wallets, and bank transfers. |
| Personalized Recommendations | AI-driven suggestions based on user behavior and preferences increase the chances of purchases and improve user satisfaction. |
| Wishlist | Allows users to save items for future purchase, making it easier to remember and find their desired products. |
| Push Notifications | Keeps users engaged with timely updates on new arrivals, promotions, and order status. |
| Customer Reviews and Ratings | Provides social proof and helps users make informed purchasing decisions based on others’ experiences. |
| Easy Checkout Process | A streamlined checkout experience reduces cart abandonment rates and enhances user satisfaction. |
| In-app Chat Support | Real-time customer support provides immediate assistance, enhancing user trust and loyalty. |
| Order Tracking | Real-time updates on shipment status keep users informed and enhance their post-purchase experience. |
| Social Media Integration | Allows users to share their favorite products, reviews, and purchases, driving organic traffic and brand visibility. |
Cost Analysis to Build an Online Shopping App Like Macy’s
Investing in custom online shopping app development is a wise decision for your business. However, simply considering the investment isn’t enough; you need comprehensive knowledge about custom e-commerce app development. Cost is a key factor that cannot be overlooked. So, what might it cost to build an app like Macy’s? On average, mobile app development costs can range from $9,000 to $30,000, depending on your specific requirements. Furthermore, if your project involves certain complexities, the cost can vary, as detailed in the table below:
| Feature | Development Hours | Hourly Rate ($) | Estimated Cost ($) |
| Basic User Interface | 100 – 150 | 30 – 100 | 3,000 – 15,000 |
| User Registration/Login | 50 – 80 | 30 – 100 | 1,500 – 8,000 |
| Product Catalogue | 150 – 200 | 30 – 100 | 4,500 – 20,000 |
| Search and Filters | 60 – 80 | 30 – 100 | 1,800 – 8,000 |
| Wishlist | 30 – 50 | 30 – 100 | 900 – 5,000 |
| Push Notifications | 40 – 60 | 30 – 100 | 1,200 – 6,000 |
| Customer Reviews and Ratings | 50 – 70 | 30 – 100 | 1,500 – 7,000 |
| Easy Checkout Process | 100 – 150 | 30 – 100 | 3,000 – 15,000 |
| In-app Chat Support | 80 – 100 | 30 – 100 | 2,400 – 10,000 |
| Order Tracking | 60 – 80 | 30 – 100 | 1,800 – 8,000 |
| Social Media Integration | 40 – 60 | 30 – 100 | 1,200 – 6,000 |
| Total Estimated Cost | 760 – 1080 | 22,800 – 108,000 | |
Suggested: How Much Does it Cost to Create An App
Different Types of Shopping Apps
Different types of online shopping applications can offer a dynamic and seamless user experience. Here is a brief explanation of four different types of online shopping apps you should be familiar with:
1. App Giving Deals on the Product
These shopping apps assist customers in discovering the best local deals for various products, right in their vicinity. By aggregating offers from multiple apps and brands, these applications ensure that users get the best prices and save money. This type of app is ideal for shopping enthusiasts who are keen on finding discounts and maximizing their savings.
2. Huge Marketplace
Amazon stands as one of the premier examples of a vast marketplace. For businesses aiming to connect with niche customers, success on such platforms is crucial. While developing a competitive online shopping app is essential, distinguishing your brand amid fierce competition is equally important. Thus, not only should companies focus on creating high-quality shopping apps, but they should also strive to expand their presence in major online marketplaces like Amazon to enhance their brand’s visibility and reach.
3. Live Video Shopping Apps
These apps enable customers to shop through live-streaming videos, providing a dynamic and immersive shopping experience. With live video shopping, customer engagement and satisfaction tend to grow steadily, elevating brand visibility and comprehension. According to experts in live video shopping app development, incorporating this feature into your online store app can significantly enhance the purchasing experience for your customers.
4. Social Sharing Apps
Social shopping apps provide numerous advantages, including personalized shopping experiences. Developing these applications can greatly enhance customer engagement, improve conversion rates, and foster loyalty. They are recognized for their potential to significantly elevate user experiences, making them an intriguing and scalable option for businesses looking to innovate within the e-commerce space.
Tech Stack for Online Shopping App Development
The tech stack employed to develop an online shopping app, such as Macy’s, will vary based on your project’s specific requirements and the features you aim to incorporate. Below, we have assembled a comprehensive list of crucial tech stack components that can aid in creating a highly profitable eCommerce marketplace:
The tech stack for developing an online shopping app can significantly impact the app’s performance, scalability, and user experience. Here is a table outlining essential tech stack components for building a robust eCommerce marketplace:
| Layer | Technology | Description |
| Frontend | React Native, Flutter | Cross-platform frameworks for building responsive and user-friendly mobile applications. |
| Backend | Node.js, Django, Ruby on Rails | Backend frameworks that handle business logic and data management. |
| Database | MySQL, MongoDB, PostgreSQL | Databases for storing and managing user data, product information, and transaction records. |
| API | GraphQL, RESTful APIs | APIs to facilitate communication between the frontend and the backend services. |
| Payment Gateway | Stripe, PayPal, Braintree | Services for processing and managing secure online payments. |
| Cloud Services | AWS, Google Cloud, Microsoft Azure | Cloud platforms providing scalable storage, hosting, and computing resources. |
| Authentication | OAuth, Firebase Authentication | Tools and services for managing user authentication and secure access control. |
| Push Notifications | Firebase Cloud Messaging (FCM), OneSignal | Services for implementing push notifications to enhance user engagement. |
| Analytics | Google Analytics, Mixpanel | Tools for tracking user behavior, app performance, and supporting data-driven decision-making. |
| Testing | Selenium, Appium, Jest | Tools and frameworks for ensuring code quality through automated testing. |
How can iTechnolabs help you to build a Shopping App Like Macy?
At iTechnolabs, we have a team of experienced developers and designers who specialize in building eCommerce apps. Our expertise in using the latest tech stack components can help you build a shopping app like Macy that is efficient, scalable, and user-friendly.
We follow industry best practices and agile methodologies to ensure timely delivery and high-quality code. Our team also stays updated with the latest trends and features in the eCommerce industry to provide innovative solutions for your app.
- Customized User Experience: We create personalized user interfaces that are easy to navigate and aesthetically pleasing, catering to your target audience.
- Robust Backend Infrastructure: Utilizing PostgreSQL and cloud services like AWS or Google Cloud, we ensure your app is stable, secure, and capable of handling heavy traffic.
- Seamless Payment Integration: With expertise in payment gateways like Stripe, PayPal, and Braintree, we facilitate secure and smooth transaction processes.
- API Development: Our team specializes in building GraphQL and RESTful APIs to enable efficient communication between your app’s frontend and backend.
- Enhanced Security: Implementing OAuth and Firebase Authentication, we prioritize user data protection and secure access control.
- Push Notifications: We use services like Firebase Cloud Messaging and OneSignal to keep your users engaged with timely notifications.
- Comprehensive Analytics: Integrating tools like Google Analytics and Mixpanel, we provide insights into user behavior to support data-driven improvements.
- Automated Testing: Ensuring your app’s functionality and performance with automated testing tools such as Selenium, Appium, and Jest.
- Continuous Support and Maintenance: Our team offers ongoing support and maintenance to keep your app up-to-date with the latest features and security updates.
- Agile Development Process: We follow agile methodologies to deliver a high-quality app on time and within budget, while adapting to any changes and new requirements efficiently.
Conclusion
This blog highlights how shopping apps are revolutionizing the retail sector, offering entrepreneurs a prime opportunity to enter the booming e-commerce market. With a vast array of products and intuitive designs, shopping applications deliver a convenient and seamless shopping experience for users. To capitalize on the increasing demand for online shopping and secure a successful position in digital retail, consider developing an online shopping app like Macy’s. If assistance is needed, consulting an online marketplace development company can be beneficial.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How Much Does It Cost to Build an Online Shopping App Like Macy’s?
If you aim to develop an online shopping app like Macy’s, the cost can range from approximately $9,000 to $30,000. Keep in mind that the total development cost is influenced by various factors such as the necessary features, user interface design, and additional specifications.
2. How Long Does It Take to Build an Online Shopping App Like Macy’s?
Building an online shopping app akin to Macy’s typically takes between 3 to 7 months. However, this timeframe can vary depending on the app’s complexity, with more intricate features and functionalities requiring additional time and effort.
3. How Much Does It Cost To Maintain Online Shopping Apps?
To keep a shopping app competitive, ongoing maintenance is crucial. Typically, maintaining the app will require spending about 15% to 20% of the initial development cost, depending on the frequency and extent of updates needed.
4. How Can I Ensure My Shopping App Is Secure?
The mobile app development companies across the world have highlighted several strategies to ensure your app’s security:
- Utilize secure connections.
- Regularly update your app.
- Implement strong passwords and login credentials.
- Exercise caution with payment information.
5. How Will I Know If My Shopping App Is Successful?
You can gauge the success of your shopping app using several key metrics:
- Number of Downloads: The total count of app installations indicates its popularity and reach.
- User Engagement: Monitor how actively users interact with your app, including time spent, frequency of visits, and features used.
- Conversion Rate: Track the percentage of users who complete a desired action, such as making a purchase or signing up for a newsletter.
- Retention Rate: Measure how well your app retains users over time, assessing whether they continue to use it after the initial download.
- User Reviews: Positive ratings and reviews in app stores reflect user satisfaction and can impact future downloads.
