Mobile technology is no longer being used just as an additional and effective purchasing channel for retailers. While many consumers prefer to shop through their smartphones and tablets – and merchants are meeting these demands – these devices are also being used by businesses in the retail industry to keep operations going.

Internet Retailer reports that a study by Alibaba Group found that if web-based retailers were to experience natural disasters or emergencies, 62 percent said they would rely on mobile devices to continue running their companies. These merchants would utilize the devices to stay in touch with customers through email, phone calls or text messages, and they would also update their websites with pertinent information for vendors and consumers, the source reports.

Besides using gadgets such as smartphones and tablets to keep things going, retailers are also adopting strategies to boost their revenues through mobile commerce, writes Internet Retailing. Shoppers are increasingly using their own devices to browse for and buy products, which was highlighted in research from Affiliate Window. Retail purchases from smartphones and tablets during January increased 116 percent year-over-year.