Shopify Mobile App: Revolutionizing Mobile Commerce in Pakistan

Pakistan’s e-commerce landscape is experiencing a seismic shift, propelled by the widespread adoption of smartphones and increasing internet accessibility. With over 100 million internet users and mobile phone penetration exceeding 90%, mobile commerce (m-commerce) has become a cornerstone of the retail sector. The e-commerce market is projected to reach US$5,773.1 million by 2025, with mobile devices driving over half of online transactions. Shopify, a global leader in e-commerce platforms, has solidified its presence in Pakistan, powering over 35,000 live stores as of 2025. This article delves into the mobile commerce landscape in Pakistan, Shopify’s pivotal role, the benefits of Shopify mobile apps for customers, key features tailored to local shopping behaviors, methods to build these apps, and why Simicart stands out as the optimal solution for Pakistani merchants.

>> See more:

• 15 Best Features For Shopify Mobile App [Must-have to Advanced]
• 11 Best Shopify Mobile App Development Services 2025
• How To Convert Shopify Store To Mobile App Free 2025?

Pakistan Mobile Commerce Overview and Shopify’s Position

Pakistan’s e-commerce market is on a steep growth trajectory, projected to reach US$5.91 billion in 2025, with a 3.22% CAGR from 2025 to 2029, leading to a market volume of US$6.71 billion by 2029 (Statista). Despite this growth, online retail penetration remains low at 0.1% of total retail spending, indicating significant untapped potential. Key statistics include:

• Internet Penetration: 116 million internet users (45.7% of the population) as of January 2025 (DataReportal).
• Mobile Broadband: 143 million subscribers as of March 2025, with 190 million cellular connections (75.2% of the population) (Wikipedia).
• Mobile Commerce: Over 50% of e-commerce transactions are conducted via mobile devices, driven by a young, tech-savvy demographic.

Electronics (23.2%), Hobby & Leisure (22.2%), and Fashion (18.3%) are the top e-commerce categories, reflecting diverse consumer interests (ECDB).

The Mobile-First Consumer

Pakistan’s mobile-first consumer base is characterized by:

• Smartphone Adoption: 91% of consumers use smartphones for online purchases, with mobile devices accounting for 80% of e-commerce volume in 2024.
• Demographic Shifts: In 2024, 8 million women and 5 million men gained mobile internet access, reducing the gender gap from 38% to 25%, expanding the shopper base to include rural and female demographics (PCMI).
• Monthly Active Users: Over 16.6 million users engage with mobile shopping apps as of July 2024.

Consumer Behaviors and Preferences

Pakistani shoppers exhibit distinct behaviors:

• Cash on Delivery (COD): Preferred by 75% of consumers due to low credit card penetration and trust concerns (PCMI).
• Digital Payments: Growing adoption of digital wallets like EasyPaisa and JazzCash, with internet banking users surging 200% and mobile banking 185% from 2019 to 2023.
• Shopping Priorities: Fast delivery (52%), competitive pricing (51%), and free shipping (51%) are top priorities.
• Social Influence: Social media platforms like WhatsApp and Facebook drive traffic, with word-of-mouth and brand trust significantly influencing purchases.
• Language Preferences: 60% of internet users prefer browsing in native languages like Urdu, though English remains common for search queries (Business Recorder).

Challenges

Despite its potential, Pakistan’s e-commerce faces challenges:

• Internet Connectivity: Pakistan ranks 97th globally in mobile internet speed, with rural areas facing worse connectivity (Statista).
• Trust Issues: Over 60% of Pakistanis lack confidence in online payments, necessitating secure and transparent systems.
• Logistics: Poor infrastructure hampers delivery efficiency, particularly in remote regions.

Shopify’s Role in Pakistan’s E-Commerce Ecosystem

Shopify has become a cornerstone of Pakistan’s e-commerce landscape, with over 35,000 live stores as of early 2025, reflecting a 15% year-over-year growth in Q1 2025. The platform’s appeal lies in its:

• User-Friendly Interface: Simplifies store setup and management for entrepreneurs with limited technical expertise.
• Extensive App Ecosystem: Offers over 13,000 apps to enhance store functionality (Shopify App Store).
• Mobile Commerce Support: Provides tools like mobile app builders to create customer-facing apps, aligning with Pakistan’s mobile-first market.

Top Shopify stores in Pakistan, such as Sapphire Online, Nishat Linen, and Khaadi, demonstrate the platform’s versatility across industries like fashion and electronics. Shopify’s ability to support Cash on Delivery (COD), a preferred payment method in Pakistan due to low credit card penetration, further strengthens its position.

What is the Shopify Mobile App for Customers and Its Benefits in Pakistan

Defining Shopify Mobile Apps for Customers

Unlike the Shopify admin app, which is designed for merchants to manage their stores, Shopify mobile apps for customers are custom applications built for individual Shopify stores. These apps are created using Shopify’s platform or third-party mobile app builders like Simicart, Tapcart, or MageNative. They enable customers to shop directly from their smartphones, offering a tailored and engaging shopping experience.

Benefits for Pakistani Customers

Shopify mobile apps provide numerous advantages that resonate with Pakistani shoppers:

• Convenience: Customers can browse and purchase products anytime, anywhere, which is particularly valuable in Pakistan’s diverse geography with urban and rural divides.
• Exclusive Deals: Merchants can offer mobile-only discounts, encouraging app downloads and repeat purchases.
• Faster Checkout: Streamlined checkout processes reduce cart abandonment, a critical factor in a market where COD is prevalent.
• Personalized Experience: Apps use customer data to provide tailored product recommendations, enhancing satisfaction and loyalty.
• Real-Time Notifications: Push notifications keep customers informed about sales, new arrivals, and order updates, driving engagement.
• Secure Transactions: Robust security measures address trust concerns, which are significant in Pakistan due to limited credit card usage.

These benefits align with the preferences of Pakistani consumers, who value convenience, trust, and personalized experiences in their online shopping journeys.

Key Features of Shopify Mobile Apps Aligned with Pakistani Mobile Shopping Behavior

To succeed in Pakistan’s mobile commerce market, Shopify mobile apps must incorporate features that cater to local shopping behaviors. Key trends in Pakistani mobile shopping include:

• High mobile transaction rates (54.2% of e-commerce purchases).
• Preference for COD due to low credit card penetration and trust issues.
• Growing adoption of digital wallets like EasyPaisa and JazzCash.
• Peak shopping periods in November and December, with active hours between 12:00 pm and 6:00 pm.
• Demand for local language support, particularly Urdu, to cater to non-English speakers.

Essential Features of Shopify mobile app for Pakistani Shoppers

Shopify mobile apps should include the following features to align with these behaviors:

• Mobile Optimization: Apps must load quickly and offer intuitive navigation, crucial for users on slower internet connections common in Pakistan.
• Cash on Delivery (COD) Support: Seamless integration of COD, a dominant payment method, ensures accessibility for a wide audience.
• Multiple Payment Options: Support for digital wallets (e.g., EasyPaisa, JazzCash) and international methods like PayPal caters to evolving payment preferences.
• Local Language Support: Offering Urdu interfaces enhances usability for non-English-speaking customers, a significant portion of Pakistan’s population.
• Push Notifications: Timely notifications about sales, new products, and order statuses drive engagement, especially during peak shopping seasons.
• Personalized Recommendations: AI-driven suggestions based on browsing and purchase history increase conversion rates.
• Secure Transactions: SSL encryption and secure payment gateways build trust, addressing concerns about online payment safety.
• Fast Checkout: One-step checkout functionality minimizes steps, reducing cart abandonment.
• Social Sharing: Integration with platforms like WhatsApp and Facebook allows customers to share products, amplifying reach in Pakistan’s social media-driven market.
• Loyalty Programs: In-app rewards for repeat customers foster loyalty and encourage frequent purchases.

How to Build a Shopify Mobile App: Two Methods

Building a Shopify mobile app can be achieved through two primary methods: using mobile app builders or custom app development. Each approach has distinct advantages, depending on the merchant’s budget, technical expertise, and customization needs.

Using Mobile App Builders

Mobile app builders are no-code or low-code platforms that enable merchants to create iOS and Android apps without programming skills. These tools are cost-effective, user-friendly, and ideal for small to medium-sized businesses. Popular options include:

• Simicart: Offers a drag-and-drop interface, free building and publishing without a commission fee, and features like push notifications and COD support (SimiCart Mobile App Builder).
• Tapcart: Known for its customization options and integrations with Shopify apps, ideal for creating high-converting apps (Tapcart Mobile App Builder).
• MageNative: Provides a user-friendly builder with AI-driven features and robust analytics (MageNative Mobile App Builder).
• Shopney: Offers fast app creation and AI-powered push notifications, with support for localized currencies and languages (Shopney Mobile App Builder).

Steps to Build with a Mobile App Builder:

1. Select a Builder: Choose a platform based on features, pricing, and user reviews (e.g., Simicart for affordability).
2. Customize Design: Use drag-and-drop tools to tailor the app’s layout, colors, and branding.
3. Integrate with Shopify: Sync the app with your Shopify store for real-time updates on products, orders, and inventory.
4. Add Features: Incorporate functionalities like push notifications, loyalty programs, and COD support.
5. Publish the App: Submit the app to the Apple App Store and Google Play Store, often with assistance from the builder’s team.

Advantages:

• Quick setup (apps can be live in days).
• Affordable, with free or low-cost plans.
• No coding skills required.
• Seamless Shopify integration.

Limitations:

• Limited customization compared to custom development.
• Dependency on the builder’s feature set.

Custom App Development

Custom app development involves hiring developers to create a bespoke app tailored to the store’s specific needs. This method offers maximum flexibility but is more resource-intensive.

Steps for Custom App Development:

1. Define Requirements: Outline the app’s features, such as COD support, Urdu language options, or unique functionalities.
2. Hire Developers: Engage professionals familiar with Shopify’s APIs, such as the Storefront API or Mobile Buy SDK (Building a Mobile App for Your Shopify Store).
3. Develop the App: Code the app for iOS and Android, ensuring compatibility with Shopify’s backend.
4. Test Thoroughly: Check for bugs, performance issues, and seamless integration with the store.
5. Publish and Maintain: Submit the app to app stores and provide ongoing updates and support.

Advantages:

• Highly customizable to meet specific business needs.
• Ability to integrate unique features not available in app builders.
• Full control over the app’s design and functionality.

Limitations:

• High costs (potentially hundreds of thousands of dollars) (How to Turn a Shopify Store into a Mobile App).
• Longer development time (weeks to months).
• Requires technical expertise for maintenance.

Simicart: The Best Way to Build Shopify Mobile Apps for Pakistan

Among the numerous mobile app builders available, Simicart stands out as an exceptional choice for Pakistani merchants due to its ease of use, affordability, and alignment with local market needs. Developed by BSS Commerce, Simicart is a no-code platform that enables merchants to create stunning iOS and Android apps in minutes.

Simicart offers a range of features that make it ideal for Pakistan’s mobile commerce landscape:

• No-Code Development: The drag-and-drop interface allows merchants with no technical expertise to design professional apps.
• Cost-Effectiveness: Unlike other builders that charge for publishing, Simicart offers free app building and publishing with no success fee, making it accessible for small businesses.
• Real-Time Synchronization: Ensures products, orders, and inventory are always up-to-date with the Shopify store.
• Push Notifications: Unlimited notifications for sales, new arrivals, and order updates drive engagement, especially during peak shopping seasons like November and December (The Booming Trend of Online Shopping).
• Customization Options: Offers pre-built themes and flexible customization to match brand identity, with support for features like RTL (right-to-left) menus for Urdu interfaces.
• Local Market Compatibility: Supports COD and multiple payment gateways, aligning with Pakistan’s preference for flexible payment options.
• Advanced Features: Includes WhatsApp live chat, advanced product filters, and in-app exclusive discounts to boost conversions.

Conclusion

Pakistan’s mobile commerce market is thriving, driven by widespread smartphone adoption and a growing preference for online shopping. Shopify, with over 35,000 stores in Pakistan, provides a robust platform for merchants to tap into this trend through customer-facing mobile apps. These apps offer convenience, personalization, and features like COD and Urdu support, aligning perfectly with Pakistani shopping behaviors. Merchants can build these apps using mobile app builders like Simicart or through custom development, with Simicart standing out for its affordability, ease of use, and local market compatibility. As mobile commerce continues to grow, Shopify mobile apps, particularly those built with Simicart, will empower businesses to enhance customer engagement and drive sales in Pakistan’s dynamic e-commerce landscape.