Acme Tools continues to drill into a better customer shopping experience with a new mobile site.

The new Web site reflects how Acme Tools understands that digital is everywhere, and that it is imperative for retailers to be available and user friendly at any time of day. The site was developed by BlueSky Technology Partners Inc.

“In the retail marketplace in particular, the dramatic emergence of mobile has shifted the power of shopping from the retailer to the consumer,”  said Terri Kershner, director of channels and marketing for BlueSky Technology Partners Inc., Noblesville, IN. “Consumers are relying more and more on mobile devices to shop for anything and everything.”

“They can shop from the convenience of their smartphone, and if a retailer doesn’t offer mobile commerce or have the products they want, the consumers know they have options just a few taps away,” he said.

Under construction
When users register for AcmeTools.com, which offers an assortment of tools, equipment and accessories, they can access cross-platform features such as saved wish lists, saved checkout and the convenience of completing a purchase via smartphone, tablet or laptop thanks to the newly developed Web site BlueSky Technology Partners created for Acme Tools.

Acme Tools’ mobile site

The new mobile site also offers click-to-call, store locator functions, improved readability on smaller screens, and the option to shop by trade, category or brand.

The site comes at a time when mobile commerce continues to boom.

A recent IBM study revealed mobile traffic and sales is building exponentially. In the fourth quarter of 2013, mobile traffic accounted for nearly 35 percent of all online traffic, up 40 percent year-over-year.

With continual increase in mobile traffic and orders, demand is rising for merchants to optimize their mobile presence and ensure customers with a seamless shopping experience regardless of device.

Laying the foundation
Acme Tools joins a growing list of home-improvement brands that are tackling mobile at different levels.

Surprisingly, two of the most popular home improvement stores nationwide, Lowes and Ace Hardware, were late comers to the mobile space.

Lowe’s did not launch a mobile site until 2010, and its first apps for iPhone and Android markets were not available until 2011.

Today, Lowe’s has three mobile apps plus a mobile optimized site geared towards do-it-yourselfers.

The mobile apps offer a variety of interesting features like allowing potential customers to compare prices, learn about products, browse professionally created designs and projects, make purchases, locate nearby stores, and track their purchase history and create shopping lists through the My Lowe’s rewards program.

Consumers who type AceHardware.com into a mobile device are automatically redirected to a mobile optimized site, where they can read reviews, pull up product ratings, and discover what others have to say about items that they may be debating on purchasing while in-store.

Mobile shoppers can also peruse digital circulars from their local store, create to-do lists, and view instruction videos and articles.

Acme Tools also recognizes that it needs a mobile presence in order to remain competitive in the hardware category.

Retailers in the industrial market continue to grow mobile sites and applications to become a trusted resource to consumers.

Acme Tools is providing new ways for woodworkers, contractors, and weekend warriors to complete and maintain their projects even when they are on the go.

Acme Tools knows consumers have options and it is responding rapidly to the meet the needs and demands of mobile shoppers.

“Motivated consumers demand the ability to shop however, whenever and wherever they desire,” said Todd Irwin, CEO/cofounder of BlueSky Technology Partners. “These consumers want the right products to satisfy their needs for the sake of time and efficiency are much more comfortable to use smart phones when researching what and where to buy, even before entering a retail shop,”

“For the retailer, the evolution of digital and digital solutions is providing a more sensory experience not had when buying direct from a catalog,” he said.

Final Take
Michelle is editorial assistant on Mobile Commerce Daily, New York