The Wyoming-based retailer Sierra Trading Post released a shopping mobile application for iPhone, iPod touch and iPad about a year after rolling out its Android app.

Since Sierra Trading Post is in the closeouts business, products sell out fast, so the app allows consumers to have quick and easy access to the newest products anywhere and everywhere. To celebrate the app release, Sierra Trading Post is offering free shipping on orders placed from the app.

“Sierra Trading is incenting mobile users with free shipping, but also bringing such customer convenience as text-to-speech enabled search, so shoppers can quickly find what they are looking for and likely discover things they never knew they wanted,” said Jeff Hasen, chief marketing officer of Mobivity, Phoenix.

“The app is customer-centric, obviously built with lots of customer feedback in mind,” he said. “It’s a great execution.”

Mr. Hasen is not affiliated with Sierra Trading Post. He commented based on his expertise on the subject.

Sierra Trading Post did not respond to press inquiries.

Mobile shopping
Like its Android counterpart, the iPhone app uses precise filtering to help shoppers find deals and brands easily. Consumers can search by filters such as brand, department, color and size.

The app provides single-page, infinite-scrolling lists to make viewing products simple.

Additionally, Sierra Trading Post’s app provides special offers, customer reviews, brand details and enhanced product shots. The app also enables text-to-speech in the search box.

Logged-in users can save products in a cart and continue shopping later on another device. Consumers can also share products on Facebook, Twitter and email.

Sierra Trading Post built the app in-house to be able to maintain complete control over the customer experience.

Consumers can now download the app for free in Apple’s App Store in addition to Google Play.

Retail apps
Sierra Trading Post is joining a large world of shopping mobile applications.

For example, the brand Free People recently launched an iOS app to let consumers shop their latest products (see story).

Another online retailer that is in the app world is One Kings Lane. The retailer recently redesigned its iPhone app and launched an iPad app to give shoppers a universal shopping experience (see story).

Yet, Mr. Hasen warns retailers that creating an app alone isn’t enough.

“Of course, these apps are only available to smartphone users,” he said.

“Others are shut out of this, so Sierra Trading would be wise to use inclusive mobile tactics like an SMS-based VIP club. That way, all who wanted to participate could do so.”

Final Take
Rebecca Borison is editorial assistant on Mobile Commerce Daily, New York