The Smartphone Revolution: How “Buy Now” Changed Shopping Forever
Buying pet products used to require planning—lists, trips to multiple stores, and weekend shopping runs. Before 2010, a gap existed between deciding to buy and actually making the purchase. The effort often led to forgotten orders, second-guessing, or abandoning the purchase altogether.
Then came smartphones, and everything changed.
By 2010, shopping on mobile was clunky, but by 2012, smartphone adoption surpassed 50% of U.S. adults, pushing retailers to optimize mobile shopping. Pet owners no longer had to wait to order—if they saw a product at a friend’s house, got a vet’s recommendation, or ran out of food, they could buy it instantly.
Between 2013-2015, mobile shopping exploded. Chewy, Amazon, and pet retailers refined their apps, making it effortless to compare prices, check reviews, and tap “Buy Now.” Apple Pay and one-click checkout made shopping seamless. Instant gratification became the norm.
The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated this trend. With lockdowns restricting access to vet clinics and pet stores, owners turned to mobile shopping for essentials. Companies like Chewy and Amazon thrived, while brick-and-mortar retailers scrambled to keep up. Even after restrictions lifted, the convenience of mobile shopping remained a habit.
Today, if a product isn’t available for purchase the moment a pet owner decides, another brand or retailer will win the sale. Consumers expect frictionless shopping and fast delivery. Businesses must adapt to this shift, and the 2024 Brakke Home Delivery Study offers crucial insights into pet owners’ evolving habits.
Smartphones didn’t just change how we shop—they raised expectations permanently. In a world where instant access drives action, being available now isn’t just an advantage—it’s essential.
Richard Hayworth
English (United States) 
Portuguese