In the first quarter of 2012, the number of British consumers performing retail searches from tablet devices grew 11 percent compared to the same time a year earlier, highlighting the importance of considering these devices as retail merchants plan their engagement tactics.

Meanwhile, total search volumes from overseas shoppers were up by 57 percent during the first quarter, peaking in January. In particular, the health & beauty and food & drink categories saw the biggest growth, up 21 percent year-over-year.

Many consumers are using these devices to check out what prices are at various retailers, ensuring they get the best price. Retailers should take note and employ practices to prevent them from losing sales to less expensive competitors.

"Squeezed household budgets mean customers are turning more and more to the internet to research what they're buying and look for best value," Stephen Robertson, director general and British Retail Consortium, said.

Many American retailers are already using price-matching policies to give mobile-savvy customers a reason to buy with them instead of the competition. Merchants around the world may want to consider similar tactics.