Retail technologies in Kazakhstan: How mobile apps transform supermarkets and save them from losses

Sailet specializes in mobile application development and IT solutions for businesses in Kazakhstan. Our innovative products help collect and analyze data, enhance marketing strategies, and increase profits. For our projects, we actively study the retail market and share our observations with you today.

According to the Ministry of Digital Development, Innovations, and Aerospace Industry of the Republic of Kazakhstan, in 2023, the number of mobile internet users in the country exceeded 80% of the total population. This creates enormous potential for supermarkets seeking to enhance customer experience and increase sales through mobile platforms.

Several Kazakhstani chains, such as Magnum Cash & Carry and Small, have already successfully implemented mobile applications. According to a study by Deloitte Kazakhstan, companies using mobile applications report a 15% increase in average transaction value and a 25% rise in visit frequency.

Mobile applications are no longer beyond the reach of small and medium-sized enterprises, and many companies are already leveraging them. Supermarkets in major cities are commissioning app development and beginning to enhance their customer service.

On a global scale, leading retailers are actively integrating mobile technologies into their business models:

• Walmart in the US has introduced apps with features like scan-and-go, allowing customers to pay for items without waiting in line, thus speeding up the shopping process.
• Tesco in the UK uses mobile apps to deliver personalized offers based on analyzing customer behavior.
• Alibaba in China, with its network of Hema supermarkets, combines online and offline shopping via a mobile app, creating a seamless experience for customers.

These examples show that mobile apps are not just a convenience but a strategic tool for enhancing business efficiency and competitiveness. Controlling the customer experience helps adapt product solutions for business.

For Kazakhstani supermarkets, mobile apps offer several advantages:

• Data Collection and Analysis: Allow understanding customer preferences and creating personalized offers.
• Loyalty Programs: Integration into the app encourages repeat purchases and increases customer retention.
• Delivery Services: In urban environments and growing megacities like Almaty and Astana, home delivery becomes critically important.
• Enhanced Customer Experience: A user-friendly interface and access to current information increase customer satisfaction.

According to a survey by PwC Kazakhstan, 65% of Kazakh consumers prefer stores with mobile apps that offer personalized discounts and convenient services.

Supermarkets that ignore digital transformation face several significant risks:

• Loss of Customers: Shoppers switch to competitors offering more modern and convenient solutions.
• Missed Opportunities: Without collecting data, it’s difficult to adapt to changing market demands.
• Reduced Marketing Efficiency: Traditional advertising methods become less effective in the digital age.

In cities like Almaty, Nur-Sultan, Shymkent, and other major cities across Kazakhstan, life is getting faster. Those who haven’t adapted to this reality fall behind, losing not only customers but millions of tenge in potential revenue. But why?

1. Missing Out on Deals and Discounts Apps like Magnum and Small allow their users to stay informed about all ongoing promotions and special offers with just two clicks. It’s no secret that Kazakhstani shoppers love deals.

2. No Data, No Revenue Mobile apps enable the collection of vast amounts of data: what your customers buy, when they most frequently visit the store, which promotions work and which don’t. Based on this data, you can create personalized offers, stimulate repeat purchases, and optimize your product range.

3. No Mobile Loyalty, No Stable Sales Loyalty programs integrated into mobile apps act as magnets for buyers. For instance, users of the Magnum app can accumulate bonuses and use them during subsequent purchases. We’ve created a special guide for launching loyalty programs for our readers. Download it for free via the link!

Kazakhstan is a rapidly growing market with immense opportunities for retail. The widespread adoption of digital banking and ride-hailing services provides an excellent foundation for the formation of a mobile app market in retail.

If your supermarket still does not have a mobile application, it's time to reconsider your strategy. Retail technology in Kazakhstan isn't the future; it's the present reality. If you're still considering apps as something elite or inaccessible, fill out the form for a free consultation via the link.