Mobile shopping is the next stage for a world where fashion meets technology. Being able to shop while on-the-go has revolutionized the fashion industry and created a new way for retailers to engage with fashionistas in real time. For the shoppers that don’t have the time to sit down at a computer or for conventional in-store shopping, smartphone apps are the next best way to shop smarter.
“Spring”
For those that love Alice+Olivia, Opening Ceremony, Rebecca Minkoff and other luxury brands then “Spring” is for you. This app features jewelry, makeup, shoes and clothing from hundreds of high-end designers as well as emerging brands. This app cuts out the big retailers, allowing customers to buy directly from brands. It works similar to an Instagram feed where, instead of selfies, you scroll through photos and select products. “Spring” makes it easy to succumb to impulse-buying with the swipe of a finger, after filling out billing and shipping information upon the initial download. “Spring” is available for iOS users.
“Poshmark”
“Poshmark” is a champion for high-end and low-end thrifters everywhere. This app allows consumers to make money as well as shop for gently-used brand clothing. Users post photos of their own products for sale, make wishlists and engage with other users by liking their items and commenting on products. Featured brands include Michael Kors, Tory Burch, Coach, J. Crew and more. As a former user, I can attest to the ease of posting an item, making a sale and shipping the item to another user. “Poshmark” also has daily “Posh Parties” where users can shop for certain seasonal items or brands. “Poshmark” is currently available for iOS and Android users.
“The Hunt”
“The Hunt” is your digital bestie. This app creates a community of people to suggest outfits or products that you would enjoy. It’s a social media experience for fashion enthusiasts. The app’s blog states “Using a Q&A format, people ask where they can find products based on an inspiration image and include additional context like their budget, body type, and how they plan to wear the outfit.” Users then responds with product links and inspiration based on their inquiry. “The Hunt” is a safe space for shoppers to get advice on what to wear and what to buy. The app even hires campus ambassadors to spread the word and host events at colleges to promote the app. “The Hunt” is available for iOS and Android users.
“Lyst”
“Lyst” is a personal shopping experience paired with access to prestigious brands such as Neiman Marcus, Topshop, Alexander Wang, Burberry and more. Brands have to be invited to collaborate with the app, which can attest to their quality. To use the app, you follow brands that you like and are kept up-to-date on new or sale items from that brand. You can add items to your own list and keep tabs on them for later. Users can take advantage of the guest checkout option if they don’t want to create an account with the app. “Lyst” is available for iOS and Android users.
“Wanelo”
“Wanelo”, whose name combines the first two letters in the words want, need, love, is an app that is a social network for those who want to shop in a variety of places at once. Users can follow over 350,000 brands or stores as well as discover new ones based on products they have liked or saved. The app then creates an up-to-the-minute feed of products based on your selections to scroll through. “Wanelo” has a good mix of brands names, independent boutiques and sellers. Users can organize lists to save products such as “Shoes I Want” or “Vintage Apartment Finds”; the possibilities are endless. “Wanelo” is available for iOS and Android users.
