Smartphones Become Essential Tools for Shoppers

Today's Black Friday finds about 1 in 5 shoppers—double that for the 18-to-29 age set— using a smartphone to track bargains and compare prices. While the number of those who actually buy using a mobile device is relatively small—at $750 million, such transactions account for only .5% of online sales—expect it to surge soon as stores see green and scramble to add mobile sites. Toys R Us, Victoria's Secret, and American Eagle are just a few of the recent converts.

“The majority of American consumers will be mobile device-centric in a few years,” an analyst tells USA Today. Retailers have obviously noted the frequency with which the smartphone comes out in stores, what with the variety of apps for pricing and comparison, and they want a piece. “I'm not comfortable with sending personal financial information on my phone yet,” one shopper says. “But I'm sure I will be in a year or two.” (More mobile devices stories.)