December 17, 2024
27 Must-Have Retail Apps: Sorted by Categories
In the last 10 years, the face of retail has changed immensely. From big chunky cash registers to small, simple gadgets that any one can operate or even self-checkout machines that do everything for you with just a tap of your card. Nowadays, retailers can run their entire store from their desk with nothing more than a smartphone.
With billions of smartphone users worldwide and mobile shopping on the rise, retail apps are no longer optional—they’re essential. From boosting customer engagement to streamlining operations, the right apps can make all the difference.
But which retailer apps are the best? The front store, the inventory, and even the journey home with the customers, there are a whole lot of processes to manage.
In this article, Dirox uncovers 27 must-have retail apps that will save you time and money, sorted by subcategories.
The Power of Apps for Retailers
Mobile apps have transcended their role as simple convenience tools to become powerful engines driving growth, efficiency, and customer engagement. Retailers leveraging the potential of apps are not just keeping up with the competition—they’re setting new standards in customer experiences and operational excellence.
Check out our article on the growth of mobile commerce and the opportunities that comes with it!
The Transformative Impact of Apps
Mobile and digital apps are reshaping how retailers interact with customers and manage their operations. Here’s how they deliver value beyond convenience:
Boosting Customer Loyalty
Apps enable retailers to connect with customers on a personal level. Features like tailored recommendations, loyalty programs, and exclusive rewards create a sense of belonging and encourage repeat business. With in-app notifications and updates, retailers can keep their customers engaged and informed.
Streamlining Operational Efficiency
Gone are the days of manual processes and disjointed systems. Retail apps now offer tools for inventory management, sales tracking, and customer service, all in one place. This integration minimizes errors, saves time, and allows businesses to operate more smoothly.
Elevating Brand Awareness
Apps act as direct communication channels with customers, giving retailers a platform to showcase their brand’s personality and values. With features like push notifications and in-app content, businesses can stay top-of-mind and build a strong, recognizable presence.
Driving Promotions and Conversions
By delivering exclusive offers, flash sales, and personalized discounts directly through an app, retailers can encourage impulse buys and foster a sense of urgency. Simplified checkout processes further reduce friction, making it easier for customers to complete their purchases.
Custom vs. Pre-Built Apps: Choosing the Right Fit
When it comes to adopting a retail app, the choice often boils down to building a custom solution or opting for a pre-built platform. Let’s compare the benefits and the trade-offs:
Custom Apps
Advantages:
- Tailored to your specific business needs.
- Offers greater flexibility for unique features and branding.
- Provides the opportunity to stand out with personalized customer experiences.
Drawbacks:
- High development costs.
- Longer timelines for deployment.
- Requires ongoing maintenance and updates.
Pre-Built Apps
Advantages:
- Cost-effective and ready to deploy.
- Proven functionality with fewer bugs and a shorter learning curve.
- Regular updates and support from the provider.
Drawbacks:
- Limited customization options.
- May not fully align with unique business processes.
Above, you can see: Custom apps are ideal for businesses looking to innovate and offer distinctive experiences, while pre-built solutions are perfect for retailers needing quick, affordable, and reliable tools.
Top App Trends in 2024 & Beyond
As we move into 2025, here are the top trends that will shape the future of retail apps.
Emerging Technologies Shaping Retail
1. Artificial Intelligence (AI)
AI is a game-changer for retail apps. Many retailers are using AI to anticipate customer needs, tailor promotions, and even optimize pricing strategies.
Studies show that personalization drives revenue up an estimated 10 to 15 percent and tools like Nosto and Clerk.io use machine learning to analyze customer behavior to offer hyper-personalized product recommendations.
2. Augmented Reality (AR) & Virtual Reality (VR)
AR and VR technologies are redefining how customers interact with products. Apps like Shopify AR and Augment allow users to visualize items in their space, whether it's trying on clothes virtually or placing furniture in their living rooms.
These experiences not only boost confidence in purchase decisions but also reduce returns, enhancing customer satisfaction. When fashion brand Rebecca Minkof experimented with 3D models, for example, it learned that visitors were 65% more likely to place an order after interacting with a product in AR.
3. 5G Connectivity
The widespread adoption of 5G is unlocking new possibilities for retail apps. From real-time tracking and faster logistics updates to enhanced AR/VR performance, 5G ensures a smoother, more connected shopping experience.
Nearly half of the EU countries reported that over 96 per cent of households have 5G coverage by early 2024. Approximately 206.4 million Americans can receive high-speed 5G coverage at home, which is roughly 62% of Americans. Retailers can now offer advanced features without worrying about lag or connectivity issues, making apps more reliable and enjoyable.
Future Trends to Watch
1. Voice Commerce
As voice assistants like Alexa and Google Assistant become household staples, voice commerce is slowly and steadily growing on customers. The scenario of effortlessly adding items to carts or reordering products simply by speaking to the device is a smart step towards inclusivity and convenience in general.
Retail apps are beginning to integrate voice technology, allowing for hands-free, convenient shopping.
For example, Walmart offers voice shopping where you can shop directly from your home by asking Siri or Google Assistant to shop Walmart.
2. Social Commerce: Turning Social Media into Shopping Hubs
Retail apps are integrating with social media to create seamless, in-app purchasing experiences. Platforms like Instagram and TikTok are blurring the lines between browsing and buying.
From shoppable posts to live-streamed product launches, social commerce is making shopping more interactive and instantaneous.
3. The Metaverse: Virtual Shopping Environments
The metaverse is emerging as the next frontier in retail. Virtual stores where customers can browse products, try them on, and interact with others in real-time are no longer a distant dream.
Retail apps are experimenting with metaverse integrations to provide a futuristic and immersive shopping journey. From Shein to Burberry, every segment of fashion retail has hopped into the trend. What are you still waiting for?
Additional Trendy Features Transforming Retail Apps
1. Creative Galleries
Apps are becoming visual playgrounds, offering creative galleries that showcase trending products, curated collections, and user-generated content.
These galleries foster community engagement and inspire shoppers, making apps more than just transactional platforms.
For example, Nike joined hands with Roblox for the launch of Nikeland where players can try on virtual products with their avatars, buy NFTs, and even take part in mini-games for a chance to earn rewards and prizes. In its digital showroom, users can buy any type of garment and even create their own Nike-branded accessories from scratch.
2. App IQ
With advancements in AI, apps are becoming smarter at understanding customer preferences. AI leverages big data analytics to predict customer buying patterns by analyzing past purchases, browsing history, and interactions. This enables retailers to offer tailored products and promotions, improving customer engagement.
In inventory and supply chain management too, AI implementation provides precise demand forecasting by analyzing real-time sales data, reducing overstocking and stockouts while optimizing cash flow. AI also streamlines supply chains by predicting reorder timings, optimizing delivery routes, and identifying potential disruptions.
Overall, smarter apps are improving the retail experience for both suppliers and consumers.
3. Enhanced Ratings & Reviews
Consumers rely heavily on reviews, and apps are stepping up their game.
Enhanced review systems now include photos, videos, and AI-driven authenticity checks to ensure credibility. This transparency builds trust and helps customers make informed decisions.
Amazon, the biggest online retailer in the world, encourages buyers to leave reviews with photos and videos to get cashback. They also use the latest advancements in AI to stop hundreds of millions of suspected fake online reviews, manipulated ratings, fake customer accounts, and other abuses before customers see them.
The takeaway? Retailers must act now to integrate these trends into their strategies. The future of shopping is digital, and the apps that evolve with the times will lead the way.
27 Essential Retail Apps: A Comprehensive Breakdown
1. Communication Apps
ChatBot
ChatBot is an AI-powered platform designed to create and deploy intelligent chatbots across various communication channels without requiring any coding knowledge.
This app is dedicated for E-commerce customer engagement and streamlined service through AI-powered chat. With the extremely accessible drag-and-drop chatbot builder, this app can be integrated seamlessly and easily into any online retail platform.
Pros:
- No coding required, with a drag-and-drop builder for creating custom chat flows and an in-platform testing tool to ensure chatbot functionality before launch.
- Provides a branded experience in minutes with a customizable chat widget and pre-built templates that allow for fast deployment and easy updates.
- Collects and analyzes real-time data to improve engagement, understand popular customer journeys, and enable personalization.
- Easily integrates with messaging platforms like Messenger, LiveChat, Slack, and Shopify, covering all customer touchpoints.
- Open API support for building custom solutions tailored to e-commerce business needs.
Cons:
- Primarily designed for small to mid-sized e-commerce businesses; might not be as scalable for enterprise-level needs.
Chatfuel
Chatfuel’s no-code platform for building Messenger and Instagram chatbots now fuels over a billion conversations each month. This app allows customers to chat with the business straight from the business’s site/app without transferring to another platform.
It’s a perfect choice for E-commerce brands seeking to engage customers through social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp. With a simple drag-and-drop chatbot builder and built-in CRM this app can be integrated with popular tools like Shopify and Zapier.
Pros:
- No coding required, with an intuitive drag-and-drop builder and 30+ ready-made templates to simplify bot setup.
- Seamlessly funnels customers from direct messages and ads into communication channels for enhanced engagement.
- Built-in CRM for segmenting and qualifying leads to optimize customer journeys.
- Integrates with Shopify, Google Sheets, Zapier, Stripe, and more, supporting e-commerce workflows.
- 99.99% uptime guarantee with 24/7 customer support and rapid 5-minute response times.
- Chat history feature to re-engage customers and improve retention rates.
Cons:
- Reliant on third-party integration with ChatGPT for WhatsApp functionality, which may limit service independence.
- Feature updates and new integrations are slower compared to other e-commerce chatbot platforms, which can affect competitiveness.
WhatsApp Business
WhatsApp Business is a specialized version of the widely popular WhatsApp messaging app, designed specifically for businesses to connect and communicate with their customers efficiently. This special platform now supports over 2 billion active users globally.
Customers can browse online catalogues directly within Whatsapp, where businesses can manage messages more easily with features like automatic and quick replies.
This app is best for small and medium businesses who want to engage customers through messaging. Service providers also gain advantages thanks to the ability of providing support and sending notifications directly to customers.
Pros:
- Direct communication with customers.
- Easy integration with CRM tools.
- Automated replies and status updates.
Cons: Limited to small and medium businesses, not ideal for large-scale customer support.
Meta Business Suite
Meta Business Suite is a one-stop shop that centralizes all the tools you need for your marketing and advertising activities on Facebook and Instagram.
It compiles all the features that help you connect with your customers on all meta platforms in one single app: centralized inbox, cross-platform post scheduling, audience insights, etc.
If you’re looking for an all-in-one social media management app, this is the one for you.
Pros:
- Simplifies social media management.
- Centralized inbox for Facebook and Instagram.
- Insights and analytics for posts.
Cons: Limited functionality for more advanced social media marketing needs.
Mailchimp
Mailchimp is a marketing automation and email advertising platform which uses real-time behavior data and AI to engage with customers.
This app is best used for sending personalized email campaigns to your audience and provides effective marketing strategies for business growth.
Pros:
- Extensive email design tools with customizable templates.
- Advanced automation for triggered emails and customer journeys.
- Detailed reporting and analytics for email performance.
Cons:
- Free plan offers limited features and subscriber count.
- May be less flexible for very complex email workflows compared to higher-end platforms.
Later
Later’s motto is “Post more, work less”. This social media management platform promises a seamless batch posting experience by supporting all the social media platforms you can think of: LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, Threads, X/Twitter, TikTok, Pinterest and Youtube.
With visual content calendar and engagement analytics, Later Social helps social media managers make well-informed decisions.
Pros:
- Easy-to-use drag-and-drop interface for social media planning.
- Supports scheduling across multiple platforms, including Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest.
- Allows for visual content planning, which is especially useful for Instagram and Pinterest-based businesses.
Cons:
- Some advanced features (e.g., video posts scheduling) are only available on higher-tier plans.
- Limited post analytics for platforms other than Instagram.
2. CRM (Customer Relationship Management) Apps
HubSpot CRM
HubSpot is an AI-powered customer platform with all the software, integrations, and resources you need to connect your marketing, sales, and customer support. All data you need is organized in a well-designed system.
With many smart features including marketing automation, email tracking, lead scoring, etc, Hubspot is the ideal solution for businesses investing into inbound marketing and sales automation.
Pros:
- Free to use with scalable paid options.
- Strong integration with other HubSpot tools.
- Detailed reporting and analytics.
Cons: The free plan lacks some advanced features, which may require an upgrade.
Salesforce
Salesforce is a cloud-based software designed to help businesses connect to their customers in one shared space.
With its customer service tools, every member in the team can see and share all the pertinent customer information, giving reps everything they need to close a deal.
AI-powerer analytics and sales forecasting let you know when it’s the best time to take a specific action to drive a deal forward.
Pros:
- Highly customizable.
- Extensive ecosystem of apps.
- Advanced reporting and analytics.
Cons: Expensive pricing, particularly for small businesses.
Zoho CRM
Zoho is a unique and powerful software suite for businesses of all sizes with 55+ applications integrated into its system. To name but a few: Zoho Marketing Automation, Zoho Publish, Zoho Cliq, Zoho Survey, Zoho PDF Editor, etc.
If you’re an SMB seeking an affordable CRM solution with integration features, Zoho should be your first choice with the standard package starting from only $20 per month,
Pros:
- Affordable pricing plans.
- Customizable workflows and integrations.
- Strong automation features.
Cons: Some features require additional add-ons that can increase the cost.
Odoo CRM
Odoo CRM provides a comprehensive sales management system that allows you to track opportunities, manage quotes, and close deals. The software enables smart features like predictive lead scoring, social media integration, self-service portal, etc.
It is ideal for small to mid-sized businesses and multi-location companies needing a flexible, open-source CRM with key tools for lead management and sales automation.
Odoo offers the first app for free, which is perfect for SMB trying out different CRM softwares.
Pros:
- User-Friendly: Simple dashboard.
- Strong Pipeline Management: Clear lead tracking.
- Affordable: Free version for single-app use.
Cons:
- Limited Free Plan: Only allows the use of one app, with additional features requiring a paid plan.
- Limited Integrations: Primarily with Odoo apps, limiting third-party integration options.
- Learning Curve: Initial setup can be tricky.
3. Inventory Management Apps
inFlow Inventory
inFlow offers a solid and reliable inventory management solution with a good balance of features and ease of use.
inFlow offers robust inventory management tools, enabling real-time tracking, stock transfers, and order fulfillment via mobile devices. Features include manufacturing add-ons for assembly, barcode generation, customizable team access, and label printing. Its ecommerce integrations centralize sales, B2B portals allow tailored pricing and catalogs, and reorder points ensure stock availability by streamlining purchase orders.
Pros:
- Affordable pricing for SMBs.
- Easy-to-use interface.
- Excellent customer support.
Cons: Some features like advanced reporting are locked behind higher pricing plans.
Sortly
Sortly is an easy, mobile inventory management solution currently in use by over 20,000 businesses. With Sortly, you can track, organize, and manage your inventory—from any device, in any location.
Sortly streamlines inventory management by enabling users to connect existing barcodes or QR codes to their items within the app. By simply scanning the code, users can efficiently organize and track their inventory, saving time and ensuring accuracy. It’s so simple and intuitive that you can start tracking inventory in minutes.
Pros:
- Intuitive interface with visual elements.
- Real-time updates and mobile-friendly.
- Ideal for small businesses or personal use.
Cons: Limited scalability for larger businesses.
Finale Inventory
Finale Inventory is a leading cloud-based, multichannel inventory management software behind successful direct-to-customer brands selling on Amazon, FBA, and Shopify. Not only does it provide barcoding, and kitting, Finale Inventory also uses historical data and ongoing trends to predict your inventory needs and make demand planning suggestions.
This is the best choice for businesses looking for advanced inventory control with integrated forecasting.
Pros:
- Strong integration with multiple sales channels (e.g., Amazon, Shopify).
- Advanced forecasting and reporting tools.
- Easy scalability for growing businesses.
Cons: Steeper learning curve for beginners and higher-tier plans can be pricey.
4. Payment and POS Apps
Square POS
Square is the U.S. market leader in point-of-sale systems, powering over 4 million sellers and processing $210 billion annually. It is the original mobile payment processing app and card reader. Thanks to its ability of functioning without an application or approval process and no monthly fees or minimum requirements, the barriers to adopting Square are minimal.
The seamless integration with Square payment systems make Square POS the perfect go-to payment app for small businesses.
Pros:
- No monthly fees, pay-as-you-go pricing.
- Simple setup and user interface.
- Great for mobile businesses (e.g., pop-up shops).
Cons: Limited customization options for advanced retailers.
Stripe
Stripe powers online and in-person payment processing and financial solutions for businesses of all sizes and globally.
Stripe's payments platform lets you accept credit cards, debit cards, and popular payment methods around the world—all with a single integration. They also offer advanced payments features like 3D Secure 2 authentication, card updates, automated retries, and more.
For online retailers needing a flexible payment gateway, take Stripe into account!
Pros:
- Easy integration with various e-commerce platforms.
- Supports a wide range of payment methods.
- Detailed analytics and reporting.
Cons: Higher fees for some international transactions.
PayPal Here
PayPal Here is a payment solution for businesses, which allows you to accept payments by PayPal as well as credit cards and debit cards (“Cards”), contactless payments, send digital invoices and record cash or cheque payments.
Launched under the household name Paypal, Paypal here is a solid option for businesses looking for a widely recognized and trusted mobile payment system.
Pros:
- Trusted by customers globally.
- Simple to use and setup.
- No monthly fees, only transaction costs.
Cons: Transaction fees can be higher compared to other payment solutions.
Apple Pay
Apple Pay has become a leading solution for secure and convenient contactless payments, with over 507 million users worldwide as of 2023. Known for its seamless integration with iOS devices, it leverages biometric authentication like Face ID or Touch ID to ensure transaction security.
Apple Pay's adoption is widespread, with acceptance at 90% of U.S. retailers and growing popularity in Europe and Asia. Its ability to integrate with apps and websites simplifies the checkout process, making it a preferred choice for both in-person and online transactions, especially for iOS users.
Pros:
- Secure and convenient for customers.
- Popular among iPhone users.
- No need for physical cards or cash.
Cons: Limited to customers with Apple devices, which may exclude some segments.
Lightspeed Retail
Lightspeed Retail stands out as a comprehensive cloud-based POS system designed for retailers who need robust tools for inventory and sales management.
Used by over 100,000 businesses globally, Lightspeed offers real-time inventory tracking and advanced reporting features, enabling retailers to make data-driven decisions.
Businesses using Lightspeed have reported a 20% increase in efficiency due to features like detailed analytics and multi-location management. Its flexibility and scalability make it ideal for small to medium-sized retailers looking to streamline operations and enhance customer experiences.
Best For: Retailers looking for a powerful inventory management & POS system with advanced reporting features.
Standout Features: Cloud-based POS system, real-time inventory management, and detailed analytics.
Pros:
- Integrates seamlessly with e-commerce platforms and physical stores.
- Provides comprehensive reports on sales, inventory, and customer behavior.
- Flexible payment processing options (including credit card, debit, and mobile payments).
Cons:
- Higher subscription costs compared to simpler POS systems.
- May require some time to fully learn and set up due to its broad functionality.
5. AI & Machine Learning Apps
Nosto
Nosto helps retailers increase sales and engagement through personalized product recommendations. Studies show that personalization can boost revenue by 10–15%, and Nosto leverages AI to achieve this by analyzing customer browsing patterns and purchase histories.
Pros:
- Customizes the shopping experience for each user, increasing conversion rates.
- Easy integration with e-commerce platforms like Shopify.
- Helps increase average order value (AOV).
Cons: Requires large volumes of customer data for accurate recommendations, which can be a limitation for smaller stores.
Clerk.io
Clerk.io is a machine learning-powered app that drives sales by suggesting relevant products based on customer behavior.
Retailers using Clerk.io have reported a 30% increase in online sales, thanks to its precise product matching and tailored recommendations. By automating cross-sells and upsells, it allows businesses to deliver a personalized experience at scale, boosting both customer satisfaction and revenue.
Pros:
- Increased conversion rates and customer retention.
- Easy to implement on most e-commerce platforms.
- Provides real-time product suggestions.
Cons: Advanced features may require more technical setup or higher-tier plans.
Zaius
For e-commerce businesses aiming to refine their marketing efforts, Zaius provides an AI-driven customer data platform that personalizes and automates campaigns.
Zaius excels by analyzing customer behavior and tailoring messaging to individual preferences. Its ability to unify customer data enables brands to create cohesive and impactful marketing strategies.
Pros:
- Combines data across various channels for a holistic view of customer behavior.
- Increases customer engagement through personalized messaging.
- Helps retailers create targeted and effective email campaigns.
Cons: Can be overwhelming for small businesses without the technical infrastructure to handle complex AI-driven insights.
Ada
Ada revolutionizes customer service by offering AI-powered chatbots capable of handling customer queries 24/7. With 70% of customers preferring self-service options, Ada meets this demand by automating support and streamlining processes.
Retailers using Ada can automatically resolve up to 70% of their customer inquiries and acquire significant cost savings by minimizing the need for manual support, while still delivering high-quality assistance.
Pros:
- Reduces the need for human agents and provides quick responses to customer queries.
- Customizable workflows for different customer support needs.
- Enhances customer satisfaction by providing instant responses.
Cons: Limited by the quality of AI, and may struggle with complex inquiries or nuanced customer needs.
Yotpo
Yotpo empowers brands to leverage customer feedback for business growth. Research indicates that 93% of consumers read reviews before purchasing, and Yotpo uses AI to analyze this feedback, extracting insights to improve products and marketing strategies.
If you’re looking for ways to leverage customer feedback to improve products and marketing, Yotpo’s AI will help you identify trends, and extract actionable insights!
Pros:
- Provides deep insights into customer sentiment and product feedback.
- Boosts trust by showcasing customer reviews and ratings.
- Helps optimize product offerings based on customer feedback.
Cons: Over-reliance on AI for sentiment analysis may result in occasional misinterpretation of nuanced customer comments.
6. AR & VR Apps
Shopify AR
Shopify AR is a game-changer for retailers seeking to integrate virtual try-ons into their e-commerce platforms. By leveraging smartphone cameras, customers can visualize how clothing, accessories, or furniture would look in real life, reducing uncertainty and improving buying confidence.
Shopify has reported that businesses using AR see a 94% higher conversion rate and significantly reduced return rates, as customers make more informed purchasing decisions.
Pros:
- Provides customers with a unique, interactive shopping experience.
- Increases customer confidence in purchase decisions by visualizing products in real life.
- Seamless integration with Shopify e-commerce stores.
Cons: Requires customers to have a compatible device with AR functionality, limiting the reach for some users.
Augment
Augment provides 3D visualization technology that allows customers to preview products in their own spaces, such as furniture or home décor, using mobile devices. Augment helps businesses meet customer demand while increasing engagement and sales.
If you want to provide a 3D preview of your products in a customer's environment, Augment might be the tool you’re looking for!
Pros:
- Enhances product discovery and helps customers make better purchasing decisions.
- Useful for furniture, home decor, and large item retailers.
- Immersive AR experience with realistic product models.
Cons: Some users may find it difficult to interact with complex 3D models, particularly on older devices.
Wanna
Wanna specializes in virtual try-on technology for fashion retailers, offering a cutting-edge solution for clothing and accessory fittings. The app’s realistic simulations provide customers with accurate visualizations, making it easier for them to choose products that suit their style. They’ve worked with multiple big fashion houses like Burberry and Valentino.
While 77% of people are interested in using AR to interact with a product before buying it, only 48% of brands have implemented virtual try. Wannaby’s advanced technology helps fashion retailers tap into this preference, driving higher conversion rates and customer loyalty.
Pros:
- Provides a highly accurate representation of how products will fit and look on customers.
- Can significantly reduce return rates by giving customers a better idea of the product fit.
- Offers a seamless and engaging shopping experience.
Cons: Might not fully replace the tactile experience of physically trying on products, especially for some customer demographics.
Conclusion
Selecting the right apps is crucial for enhancing retail operations and staying competitive in today’s dynamic market. The right combination of tools—whether for communication, CRM, e-commerce, inventory management, or payment solutions—can significantly optimize customer engagement, streamline day-to-day processes, and drive business growth. By leveraging technology tailored to their unique needs, retailers can provide personalized shopping experiences, improve operational efficiency, and foster customer loyalty, ultimately positioning themselves for long-term success.
Contact Dirox for a tailored approach to your retailing needs!