Is a mobile app worth it for home in the UAE?

Worth is the mobile web conversion rate against the app conversion rate on the same traffic, multiplied by how often somebody returns. For most stores the first gap is large and the second is the one that decides it.

What it is worth, in figures the store already holds

The mistake is comparing an app against the desktop site. Compare it against the mobile site, on the same customers, over the same weeks — that is the only comparison the decision actually rests on.

An app earns its place through repeat purchases and notifications, so the question is really about how often somebody buys. For a homeware and furniture store in the UAE, the answer turns on one thing in particular: Large items, expensive delivery, and a decision made over weeks with other people involved.

What is different about the UAE

Delivery expectations in the UAE are set by same-day services, so five-day shipping reads as slow whatever the price.

Card payment is the norm in the UAE, with cash on delivery still expected by a meaningful minority.

What is different about a homeware and furniture store

Built too early it is a cost with nothing to do — an app with no customers to bring back is a bookmark nobody made.

Where a mobile app comes into it

Saved rooms and lists do more here than notifications — the purchase is slow and shared.