Dual device owners show tendency to shop online

Consumers who own both a tablet computer and a smartphone are more likely to complete shopping transactions online than those who own just one of these devices, according to a study from research firm Ipsos OTX MediaCT.

The study, conducted on behalf of ecommerce firm PayPal®, is based on answers from 1,283 tablet and smartphone owners. Of the survey group, nearly half indicate they own both devices.

According to the report, 41 percent of these "dual owners" say they have completed more than 20 mobile purchases in the last 12 months. By contrast, only 12 percent of smartphone-only owners indicate the same. Furthermore, owning both devices tends to drive consumers to spend more online than they otherwise would, as nearly two-thirds say they shop more due to their mobile devices.

Many businesses are now catering their online presence to these mobile users. According to market analysis firm Forrester Research, ecommerce spending in the United States will reach $278.9 billion by 2015. As tablet and smartphone adoption continues to grow, the ecommerce market will likely follow suit.