International Amazon app downloads drop, according to a recent report
In the rapidly evolving world of retail, mobile apps have become a game-changer, especially during the coronavirus pandemic. According to Sensor Tower's 2021 report, consumers spent over $100 billion via mobile apps and games in 2020, highlighting the growing importance of these platforms for retailers.
One of the most significant shifts in the market was the rise of fast fashion retailer SHEIN. In July, SHEIN overtook Amazon as the largest fast fashion retailer in the USA, according to a report from Ernest Research. The same report also placed SHEIN as the second most downloaded shopping app globally in 2021.
Klarna, an emerging buy now, pay later app, also made waves as a shopping destination. Meanwhile, AliExpress, Wish, and Alibaba were among the top 10 most downloaded shopping apps globally in 2021, according to Sensor Tower.
Interestingly, while Amazon is no longer the most downloaded app worldwide, it still held the top spot among U.S. consumers, according to a report from Digital Turbine. Nike, Fetch Rewards, eBay, Wish, and Klarna were among the top 10 most downloaded apps in the U.S.
The holiday shopping season of 2021 saw a surge in mobile shopping app downloads, with 55% of mobile shoppers downloading a new mobile shopping app ahead of the season, according to the Digital Turbine report.
Shopee, a popular shopping app, de-throned Amazon as the most downloaded app globally in 2021. In the U.S., H&M, Zara, Forever 21, and Fashion Nova were among the top fast fashion retailers following SHEIN.
However, the report from Sensor Tower did not mention any other shopping apps among the top downloaded apps globally in 2021 apart from those mentioned. The same goes for the Digital Turbine report, which did not mention any other fast fashion retailers apart from Amazon and Target among the most downloaded apps by U.S. consumers.
The report from Apptopia in 2020 placed Wish as the third most downloaded app worldwide, following Shopee. Despite high consumer awareness, eBay had a lower install intent, according to Sensor Tower's 2021 report.
TikTok, the popular social media platform, also made headlines with its substantial international revenue on Christmas in 2020, generating $4.7 million, as reported by Sensor Tower.
The rise of mobile shopping apps and the shift in consumer preferences have undoubtedly shaken up the retail landscape in 2021, with SHEIN leading the charge in the fast fashion sector. As we move forward, it will be interesting to see how these trends continue to evolve.
