Multichannel retail giant ShopNBC’s mobile commerce platform has been recognized by Acquity Group for overall “Best-in-Class” in its mobile efforts as well as “Best-in-Class” for the mass merchant industry.

The ranking was reported in Acquity Group’s second annual Mobile Commerce Audit 2010, which identified companies and industries that are pioneering mobile initiatives. The Audit considered all companies listed on the Internet Retailer 500 and evaluated metrics across 18 different categories, including device detection across five browsers – iPhone OS, Android, BlackBerry OS, Palm webOS, Windows CE – and mobile applications for catalog and checkout functionality.

“We’re thrilled to see ShopNBC recognized as a leading mobile commerce platform, including their site and iPhone app,” said Nick Taylor, president of Usablenet, New York.

The Acquity Group Mobile Commerce Audit 2010 is meant to identify companies and industries on the leading edge of mobile-commerce initiatives. Leaders were honored with the Acquity Group Mobile Commerce Overall Best-in-Class designation.

Ranked 87th in the 2009 Internet Retailer 500 list, Acquity found that ShopNBC has proven itself adept at leveraging the mobile channel and is ranked No. 10 of retailers for mobile commerce. 

ShopNBC partnered with Usablenet to develop a mobile-enabled version of its Web site, which was launched December 2009.

ShopNBC’s mobile site was designed with a similar look-and-feel of its Web site, and caters to the mobile shopper.

Here is a screen grab of the application:

The most sought-after locations by ShopNBC mobile shoppers include the multimedia retailer’s top promotions such as Today’s Top Value, On Air Now and Last 12 Items On Air.

New and existing mobile shoppers can make purchases in a few easy steps and also access their account and order status as well as review a 24-hour online program guide and search for any product available on the site.

Here is a screen grab of the mobile shopping cart:

ShopNBC’s iPhone application accounts for more than 40 percent of its mobile traffic.

“With this audit by Acquity Group, which included device detection and catalog and checkout functionality, ShopNBC is clearly leading mobile initiative success by example,” Mr. Taylor said.