Retailers Reach More Customers with Windows 8

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By Stella Chernyak, Sr. Director, Windows Commercial Marketing at Microsoft

This week, Microsoft is at the National Retail Federation’s annual conference in New York City demonstrating how Windows 8 apps and devices are helping transform the way retailers do business. As we shared last week, Windows 8 has sold over 60 million licenses since launching in October and apps are available in more than 200 markets globally. This expanding landscape makes the Windows 8 platform a great vehicle for retailers to reach more customers and build new relationships worldwide.

In 2012, consumers spent $25 billion (11 percent of total ecommerce sales) while shopping on mobile devices, particularly tablets, according to recent data from market research firm eMarketer. That number is expected to increase 55.7 percent in 2013, with mobile device sales accounting for 15 percent of all ecommerce – presenting even more opportunity for retailers to tap into the mobile device ecommerce market through Windows 8 apps.

With the flexibility of Windows 8 to seamlessly work on a variety of form factors, retailers are able to enhance the shopping experience for their customers with Windows Store apps, whether featured on all-in-ones that find their way into offices and homes, or on tabletsthat are perfect for kicking back on the couch and browsing catalogs.

Top retailers including Amazon, Dell, eBay, Newegg, Office Depot and the Home Shopping Networkalready have Windows 8 apps in the Windows Store, and more retail apps will debut in the months ahead, offering consumers a broad collection of apps to find just what they’re looking for right from the comfort of their chosen device.

Check out the quick overviews of these great retail apps:

Amazon

1

The Amazon app allows you to quickly make purchases, search, compare prices, read reviews, and share products with friends from your Windows 8 device, using a simple yet elegant interface. Shop just as you do on the web.

Dell

2

Tap into the app to find everything at Dell. With Dell Shop, you can find the perfect new Dell PC or get more from your current PC with custom-recommended electronics and accessories from top manufacturers. Using your System ID, Dell Shop can identify your Dell PC and make compatible suggestions. Even if your PC isn’t a Dell, you can still use Dell Shop to buy those must-have items. You’ll find easy access to the most popular accessories, from monitors, printers, projectors, mice and bags, to wireless routers and external storage. If you’re looking to outfit a home theater, home office, dorm room or a creative studio, you’ll find complete solutions right here.

eBay

3

The eBay app lets you tap into the world’s largest marketplace anywhere you are. It’s free and built with eBay users in mind that will help you get more out of your buying and selling activity with Windows 8. Never miss a deal with the eBay app with instant alerts when outbid or auctions are ending. You can customize even more alerts so you stay on top of your shopping.

Newegg

4

The Newegg app allows you to search, shop, read reviews and make purchases on Newegg.com.

Office Depot

5

With the Office Depot app, you can find a store near you and check out the weekly deals offered at that store, or scroll through a list of stores in your area and view weekly deal offers for each.

Home Shopping Network

6

The "HSN - Shop, Watch, Play" app allows customers to Watch HSN Live and discover more about the products on air – with product details, customer reviews, and ease of purchasing. You can also LiveChat with friends and the hosts to ask your own questions about products and the show from your Windows 8 device.

For more information on Microsoft at NRF, visit the Microsoft News Center to learn more about Windows 8 and other solutions for retailers.

This post originally appeared on the Windows for your Business blog.