Tablet sales are skyrocketing--200 million have been shipped throughout the world in the past three years, and forecasts show that one billion will be shipped in the next five years. This could have a dramatic effect on how consumers shop at home and in retail stores.
New data from ABI Research shows more consumers are using tablets to make purchases: 22 percent of tablet users spend $50 or more per month on their device, and nine percent are spending $100 or more.
The data also found that more spending is taking place on tablets than on smartphones.
"Tablets are quickly becoming the go-to transaction screen within the home," says ABI mobile devices senior practice director Jeff Orr.
Brick-and-mortar retailers have not seen a boost from tablet spending nor does it seem to have negatively impacted their sales at this time. Retailers are concerned that their stores may turn into showrooms for eventual e-commerce purchases.
Consumers are using tablets to find coupons, search for local companies and compare prices. The data shows that each of these functions was performed by more than 50% of tablet shoppers in the previous three months.
Consumers are also using tablets with other media--14 percent for TV and 17 percent for newspapers and magazines--to make the experience more dynamic than static content.
