Retailers understand the importance of having a mobile commerce-enabled site that does more than just give store hours and locations, with functionality such as personalization, social media and SMS integration, mobile coupons and video playing a big role on the mobile Web in 2011.

Here are some noteworthy sites that have launched in 2011, in no particular order.

Jewelry retailer Zales has rolled out a mobile commerce-enabled site that lets consumers browse and buy products from the company’s entire inventory. Consumers can access the mobile site by entering http://www.zales.com on their mobile browser. The mobile site is powered by Usablenet.

“Zales sees the mobile site as a bridge between our stores and our Web site that consumers cna use while on the go,” said Roxane Barry, director of investor relations at Zales.

“They may be standing in our own stores looking for more product information or browsing the new collections, such as Vera Wang and Jessica Simpson, while on their morning commute,” she said ”Irrespective of where they are or their immediate intent, we wanted a mobile experience that allowed our customers to quickly and easily interact with our brands.”

http://www.mobilecommercedaily.com/2011/08/31/zales-aims-to-increase-jewelry-sales-via-mcommerce-enabled-site

L.L. Bean is letting consumers shop its entire inventory of outdoor gear and apparel brand via a new commerce-enabled mobile site that was designed after much demand.

The company tapped Usablenet to power the mobile site. Consumers can access the optimized site by entering http://www.llbean.com on their mobile browser.

“We’ve dabbed our toe in mobile back in 2009 when we offered a free limited edition game,” said Laurie Brooks, senior public relations representative at L.L. Bean.

“This mobile site is really an extension of customer service. “It’s really to meet our customers where they want to shop,” she said. “We’re multichannel merchant.

“We were responding to what our customers were asking us – to have a shoppable mobile site.”

http://www.mobilecommercedaily.com/2011/07/07/l-l-bean-breaks-into-mobile-commerce-after-strong-consumer-demand

New York & Company Inc. is letting on-the-go fashion-savvy consumers shop their favorite looks via a mobile-optimized site, as well as opt-in to receive alerts for upcoming sales or offers.

The company decided to roll out the mobile site due to the overwhelming growth of consumers turning to their smartphones to make purchases. The company tapped Usablenet to power the initiative.

“Our new mcommerce site is an extension of our in-store experience and ecommerce site,” said Eran Cohen, chief marketing officer of New York & Company, New York. “As digital technology rapidly changes, New York & Company wants to ensure that our digital strategy remains flexible and stays current.

“Our new mcommerce site is the next step in the evolution of allowing our customer access to the NY&C brand wherever, whenever she wants,” he said. “Our new mcommerce site caters to the modern woman with a life on the go.”

http://www.mobilecommercedaily.com/2011/06/23/new-york-company-ramps-up-mcommerce-strategy-with-mobile-site

Office products giant Staples has unveiled its mobile-optimized commerce-enabled site that not only lets consumers buy products, but also scan them for information while in-store.

The company tapped Usablenet to power its mobile site. Consumers can access the site by entering m.staples.com on their mobile browser.

“We’re committed to bringing easy to your office and we see mobile as a vehicle with unlimited possibilities on how to do that,” said Brian Tilzer, vice president of ecommerce and business development at Staples. “Our customers, especially small business owners, are constantly on the go, and are looking for ways to shop when it’s convenient for them.

“They’re increasingly turning to their mobile devices for product information, store hours and locations and customer service,” he said. “Staples knows that having a robust mobile offering will make it easier for them to restock their office, so they can get back to running their business.”

http://www.mobilecommercedaily.com/2011/06/16/staples-ramps-up-mobile-strategy-via-optimized-shopping-site

Specialty retailer Garnet Hill saw a 300 percent increase in mobile sales since the company rolled out its mcommerce site in mid-December.

Users can shop women’s apparel, children’s clothing and home décor. The mobile-optimized site was built and is powered by Usablenet.

“As smartphone adoption continues to grow significantly and mobile users become increasingly mcommerce savvy, it is necessary for retailers to have a mobile presence that extends full ecommerce,” said Nick Taylor, president of Usablenet, New York.

“Usablenet supports Garnet Hill in keeping up with the demands of their customer base by creating a new powerful channel for their customers to connect with them in the most convenient way possible,” he said.

http://www.mobilecommercedaily.com/2011/02/16/garnet-hill-mobile-sales-increase-300-percent-in-two-months