A recent report by Forrester Research revealed mobile commerce in the United Kingdom is expected to grow from $3.3 billion in 2012 to $23.49 billion (19.25 billion euro) by 2017. By that time, 6.8 percent of online transactions are expected to be generated via mobile commerce.

The report points out, however, that mobile commerce is not to be confused with other mobile payment trends. It limits the definition to consumers using cell- or smartphones to make transactions for physical products or services without placing a phone call or speaking to anyone, as reported to Internet Retailer. In its limited form, this definition excludes digital wallet applications, tablets and near field communication (NFC) technology.

"Mobile buyers will mature from the early adopter profile today to become an increasingly mainstream audience – although this change will take time," writes report author and Forrester analyst Martin Gill, as reported by the source. "Shoppers will use their mobile phones to make an increasing amount of 'traditional' online purchases as they become more familiar and comfortable with the m-commerce paradigm."

Gill adds that these purchases will no longer be limited to primarily digital content such as ringtones, MP3 downloads or mobile applications, and will instead be replaced with small physical items that may be purchased on impulse.

To prepare for these trends, retailers can invest in ecommerce software to optimize their websites for smartphone screens. Retail Pro is one supplier of these programs, which can help merchants stay at the head of the retail technology curve.