How Much Does it Cost to Build an AI-Based Shopping App Like Target?

Have you ever found your cozy spot on the couch to spend a lazy afternoon, only to realize you’re missing some home essentials? Maybe you need to stock up on paper towels or that new gadget you’ve been planning to purchase caught your attention again. 

Now wouldn’t it be amazing to pull up your phone, visit an app like “Target” and browse through a massive selection of products, just like you would while taking a stroll down the aisle of your favorite store? 

But what if this app didn’t just offer convenience? It did a bit more. 

Imagine this app like “Target” intelligently suggests that perfect new coffee maker based on your past purchases, or recommend a cute outfit because you browsed baby dresses just last week.

This is the power of a cutting-edge shopping app, and it’s not just science fiction! Stores like Target have revolutionized the shopping experience by combining the ease of mobile browsing with the magic of AI. 

Suddenly, your phone becomes a personalized shopping haven, filled with everything from household necessities to the latest tech trends. No more feeling overwhelmed by endless options – the app learns your preferences and tailors suggestions just for you.

But it doesn’t stop there. Once you’ve filled your virtual cart, the options are plentiful. Have your purchases delivered straight to your doorstep for ultimate relaxation, or choose the in-store pickup option for a quick pit stop at your nearest branch. 

So, what if you’re a business owner looking to keep up with the times? 

You might be thinking, “This sounds fantastic, but what about me? There’s no Target here!”  

Well, the good news is, this concept isn’t limited to specific stores. 

Many retailers operate with a similar philosophy to Target, offering a vast product selection and prioritizing customer experience. And guess what? They all stand to gain a major advantage by implementing a smart app powered by AI.

Whether you’re a daring entrepreneur ready to shake things up in the retail world, or simply a curious shopper eager to learn more, get ready for an exciting ride! 

About Target 

Did you know that AI-based shopping apps, such as Target, boast impressive revenue figures? 

With a total revenue of approximately $109 billion, it’s no surprise that these apps are gaining immense popularity. Take the Target app, for example, which attracts a staggering 141.4 million visitors.

As a well-established brand, Target operates an extensive network of 1956 physical stores across the United States and has a global presence with around 30 offices worldwide. 

The Target app is not just another eCommerce platform; it’s designed with a focus on providing a personalized and enjoyable user experience. Its sleek design and intuitive interface offer customers a seamless journey through an extensive range of products.

Whether you’re in need of groceries, home furnishings, or the latest fashion trends, the Target app constitutes all. With just a few taps on your mobile screen, you can place your order and have it delivered right to your doorstep within a day or two. It’s that convenient!

The Target app’s growing popularity is evident, with an average of 15,728 downloads on a regular basis. It shows how Target successfully makes use of technology to provide a more user-friendly shopping experience. Yet, at the same time it also invests in meeting the needs of its customers. 

How Much Does It Cost to Build an AI-Based Shopping App Like Target? 

Developing an AI-based shopping app, similar to the Target app, can vary significantly in cost depending on the features and functionality desired. The price range you’ve mentioned is quite broad, starting from $30,000 for a basic app and going all the way up to $300,000 or more for an app depending on how many advanced features you want to introduce in the particular app. 

What Makes Target a Successful AI Based Shopping App? 

It’s no secret that Target has revolutionized shopping. The app features a user-friendly interface. It offers a range of products for buyers.

The app is perfect for Dubai’s eager shoppers. Target is known for its sleek design and easy navigation. It makes browsing and managing inventory simple.

Whether you’re looking for fresh groceries or the latest electronics, Target makes shopping easy. It ensures users find what they are looking for, all in one place.

What sets Target apart is the convenience it offers. 

Users can choose contactless pickup. This is perfect for quick purchases. They can also choose at-home delivery for extra comfort.

Many people in Dubai are busy professionals or families. They want a relaxed shopping experience. Apps like Target offer this flexibility.

With just a few taps on their mobile devices, Dubai residents can get items delivered to their door. This saves time and effort.

The Target app is successful because it provides a personalized and efficient shopping experience. It combines a large inventory with convenient delivery options. Target has improved eCommerce, making shopping enjoyable and accessible.

The app supports various payment methods. This includes digital wallets, credit cards, UPI, and bank transfers.

Target uses AI to analyze customer data and predict shopping behaviors. Target Circle, a loyalty program, helps users find relevant products and get the best deals.

Target’s AI-driven approach increases engagement and customer satisfaction.

Everything You Need to Know About AI-Based Shopping App 

What is an AI-Based Shopping App? 

An AI-based shopping app is one which makes use of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies to provide a great shopping experience to users. The app’s use of AI allows online shoppers to make personalized recommendations. It streamlines the search process, manages inventory & introduces multiple other features that makes the entire shopping experience enjoyable. Today, AI-based shopping apps are found as a part of a variety of eCommerce platforms. Whether it’s fashion, beauty, home goods, electronics or something else, AI based shopping apps make it easier for online shoppers to get the closest recommendation to what they are looking for. 

Key Features & Functionalities of an AI-Based Shopping App

1. Personalized Recommendations: AI algorithms analyze user data, such as purchase history, search queries, and browsing behavior, to suggest products that match individual preferences.
2. Intelligent Search: Users can search for products using natural language processing (NLP), enabling them to find items by describing what they’re looking for (e.g., “a red dress for a wedding”).
3. Virtual Styling and Try-On: AI-powered apps can allow users to virtually try on clothes or see how furniture would look in their home using augmented reality (AR).
4. AI Chatbots: These virtual assistants can help with customer service, answering questions, providing recommendations, and even processing orders.
5. Inventory Management: AI can optimize inventory levels, predict demand, and reduce the likelihood of stock shortages or overstocking.
6. Price Comparison: AI can compare prices across different sellers to ensure users are getting the best deal.
7. Predictive Analytics: By analyzing data, AI can predict future trends, customer needs, and potential issues before they arise.

Factors Affecting the Cost of AI App Like “Target” Development

Cost of AI Shopping App Based on Features & Functionality 

The success of an app like Target App is attributed to the different set of features and functionalities present within such an app. When calculating the cost of such an eCommerce app, especially the development cost, you must list down all the essential features and how they impact the overall cost of the app. Different features such as personalized recommendation, product search, AI-driven chatbot, shopping cart management, security measures, (data encryption and user authentication), order tracking, push notification, AR/VR try-ons etc, all play a significant role. They all contribute sequentially for the app’s overall development cost. The more complex the app’s features, the higher will be its overall cost. 

Here’s how much an app like Target can or would eventually cost: 

Here’s a breakdown of the cost based on the average time and the amount that will be incurred in developing that app. 

Cost of AI App Such as Target Based on Development Size & Team Location 

One of the crucial elements of an AI App like Target is the geographical location of developers and their respective team size. When you plan on hiring or onboarding developers for your app, it contains a number of professionals such as project managers, developers, designers, quality analysts & other many such skilled professionals. Each has their own set of expertise and may belong to a different ethnicity & background. When you choose an app development company, what plays a role is the location of the app’s team that will directly impact the cost, timeline and eventually the quality of the product. 

Based on geographical location, the cost for an AI-based app like Target can differ from region to region. For instance, if you’re onboarding developers in the UK, US or Australia, it’s going to cost you a bit on the higher side compared to developers you will hire from India, Asia or Africa. 

Platform Compatibility 

When developing an eCommerce app, the platform you choose greatly affects the cost. Are you team iOS or Android, or do you want a web-based app? Each option has unique development costs, with specific coding, testing, and optimization needs. It’s not just about the platform. You also have to consider different devices and screen sizes. The operating system version can impact costs too. It’s a lot to think about, but it’s crucial for ensuring your app is accessible and works well for users.

Which platform has the most users? Android leads with 3.5 billion users worldwide. iOS has around 1.3 billion users. These stats are important to consider when planning your app development strategy!

What Are the Key Features of an eCommerce Shopping App Like Target? 

When it comes to developing an online shopping app like Target, there are several key features that will make the app’s overall experience interesting. 

Here are a few things which we believe are an essential part of an eCommerce app that makes the overall app experience interesting for online customers. 

User Registration and Profile:

One of the key things that should be a part of an app like Target is an easy to navigate user registration and profile option. Users should find it easy to register themselves on the app through their personal social media accounts or email IDs. Once they have successfully registered, they may receive access to a personalized dashboard to manage their preferences, addresses and payment methods. 

Product Catalog

A comprehensive and well-organized product catalog is the heart of any successful eCommerce app. Therefore, it is essential that users should be able to easily browse a large inventory of products just like the ones they would in a physical Target store. Whether it’s the latest fashion trend or a must-have electronic device, your app’s product catalog should offer a shopping experience with detailed product information & visually appealing presentation. 

Shopping Cart and Wishlist:

The shopping cart and wishlist features are essential for an easy shopping experience. Users should be able to easily add and remove items from their cart and wishlist, and the app should provide a clear breakdown of the items in the cart, including prices and quantities. The wishlist feature allows users to save items for future purchase, and the app can send notifications about price drops or promotions on wishlisted items to encourage conversions.

Order Management:

Effective order management is crucial for maintaining customer satisfaction and loyalty. After placing an order, users should be able to conveniently track their orders in real time, estimate delivery times, and receive notifications about order updates. The app should also provide a straightforward process for returns and exchanges, allowing users to initiate and manage these processes directly from the app.

Reviews and Ratings:

User-generated reviews and ratings are powerful tools for building trust and influencing purchasing decisions. Encourage users to leave reviews and ratings for products they’ve purchased by creating a review and rating section. The following feature not only helps other users make informed decisions but also provides valuable feedback for the business. Consider implementing a verification process to ensure authentic reviews and allow businesses to respond to reviews, especially negative ones, to show their commitment to customer satisfaction.

Social Media Integration:

Social media integration can enhance user engagement and expand the app’s reach. By allowing users to connect their social media accounts, the app can offer features such as sharing purchases and wishlists with friends, following and interacting with the brand’s social media profiles, and leveraging social media platforms for customer support. Social login options, such as signing in with Facebook or Google, can also simplify the registration and login process, making it more convenient for users.

Multiple Payment Options:

Providing multiple payment options is essential for catering to diverse user preferences and increasing conversion rates. In addition to traditional payment methods like credit and debit cards, consider integrating digital wallet options (e.g., Apple Pay, Google Pay), buy now, pay later services (BNPL), and cryptocurrency payments. Each payment option should be secure and compliant with relevant regulations, ensuring a safe and reliable transaction experience for users.

Push Notifications:

Implementing push notifications can effectively re-engage users and drive conversions. Send targeted notifications about exclusive deals, limited-time promotions, and personalized product recommendations based on their browsing history or previous purchases. Additionally, use push notifications to update users about the status of their orders, wishlist items, and cart reminders, creating a sense of urgency to complete purchases. Users should have the option to customize the frequency and type of notifications they receive to avoid overloading them with irrelevant messages.

AR/VR Try-Ons:

Augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) try-on features revolutionize the online shopping experience, especially for fashion and beauty products. Implement AR/VR technology to allow users to virtually try on items, such as clothing, makeup, or accessories, in real time. It brings an immersive experience, which enhances user confidence in their purchases and reduces the need for returns. Make sure that the AR/VR try-on feature is compatible with a range of devices, including smartphones and tablets, and provide an intuitive user interface for a try-on process.

Challenges with Designing a Mobile App Like “Target”

Although an app like Target is profitable, when you invest in developing an AI-powered mobile app, it has its fair share of challenges.  

Complex Feature Set: Building an app like Target’s means packing it with a lot of features that shoppers expect today. Think personalized recommendations that suggest items based on what you like, a smart search tool that quickly finds what you need, and cool AR try-ons so you can see products in your space before buying. You also want easy and secure payment options and real-time order tracking so you always know where your stuff is. The tricky part is making sure all these features work well together without overwhelming the user. It takes a lot of careful planning and testing to create an app that’s not just feature-rich, but also easy and enjoyable to use.

Technical Expertise: Creating an AI-based shopping app demands a high level of technical expertise. You need professionals skilled in artificial intelligence, machine learning, natural language processing, and augmented reality. Finding and hiring developers with these specialized skills can be tough, and this can significantly affect the project’s budget and timeline. The process involves not just recruiting the right talent but also ensuring they work well together to build a cohesive and efficient app. This level of expertise is essential for developing sophisticated features that provide a seamless and personalized shopping experience.

Data Privacy and Security: Handling sensitive user data is incredibly important, so data privacy and security must be on top of the list. To build trust and stay in coherence with the law, it’s important to comply with regulations like GDPR and CCPA. It also means having clarity on how you collect, use and store user data and giving users control over information. At the same time, you also need to deploy strong security measures to ensure the data is well protected and is safe from unauthorized access. The process usually involves a coder working behind the scene using advanced encryption methods, secure authentication methods and performing regular security audits. Therefore, by focusing on privacy and security, you not only follow the law but also show your users that you truly care about protecting their information.

Scalability and Performance: Scalability and performance are important for an app like Target’s, which has to handle a huge number of users and products at the same time. This means the app needs a strong infrastructure that can expand to meet high demand and keep things running smoothly. Making sure the app loads quickly, even during busy times like holidays or big sales, is no small feat. It requires optimizing the backend systems, using efficient databases, and implementing smart caching strategies. Regularly testing the app to ensure it performs well under heavy traffic is also essential. All this hard work helps ensure that no matter how many people are using the app, it stays fast and reliable, providing a great experience for everyone.

Revolutionize the Shopping Experience with AI 

The future of shopping is here, and it’s powered by AI. With the success of apps like Target, it’s clear that artificial intelligence is revolutionizing the way we shop, making it more convenient, personalized, and efficient than ever before.

Developing an AI-based shopping app comes with its own set of challenges, from managing complex features to ensuring data privacy and scalability. However, the rewards outweigh the difficulties, as evidenced by the popularity and success of apps like Target.

Are you a retailer located in the UAE looking to stay ahead of the competition? Do you want to create an AI powered app for your business just like Target’s? Well look no further. Branex can help you create a remarkable online experience that is bound to change the way your customers shop. Let us know what you have in mind and we will put together the perfect app solution for your business.