Cafe24 said on April 14 it introduced a “rapid app release” feature for customers using its premium service, Cafe24 Pro (PRO).

Rapid app release is a service that automatically supports the entire process from creating app components to producing an app and releasing it on stores. A key feature is that the system analyzes Cafe24-based direct-to-consumer (D2C) shopping malls and generates brand-optimized design assets, including app icons, images for store registration and brand loading screens shown when the app starts.

Previously, the fact that businesses had to handle every step required for an app launch themselves was cited as an entry barrier to app production. The process typically takes 4 to 6 weeks.

Cafe24 said its analysis of more than 1,000 platform-based shopping malls operating brand apps, conducted from December last year through March, found that average spending per app customer was about 16.7 percent higher than on mobile websites.

It also said about 25.7 percent of total sales came from apps. In the lifestyle and health category, average spending per app customer was 29.3 percent higher than on mobile web, while in the fashion accessories category, 33 percent of total sales came from apps. The repeat-visit rate within 5 days was 65.8 percent on apps, about 10 percentage points higher than on mobile web at 55.0 percent.

Cafe24 explained that its rapid app service improves convenience and reduces time by having the system automatically handle all processes. Businesses can review the launched app and then register a Google developer account within 60 days to transfer ownership. The app automatically links with the shopping mall after launch. When products are added, they are immediately reflected in the app. Order processing can be handled in the same way on the existing admin page.

Cafe24 said it found that push notifications using brand apps also affected sales increases. In its survey of how push notifications affect brand sales, Cafe24 found that brands that introduced app push notifications had a sales increase rate about 31.9 percentage points higher than cases where they operated an app without introducing push notifications. Unlike existing notification methods such as text messages and alert messages, push notifications do not require sending costs, making them advantageous for reducing marketing expenses.

Cafe24 said it will continue to enhance services across its platform so online businesses can start and grow e-commerce operations without technical barriers.

Cafe24 CEO Jae-seok Lee (이재석) said, “Through rapid app release, we created an environment where online businesses can have their own brand apps regardless of scale or technical capability.” He added, “We will continue to support features that help businesses communicate effectively with customers and grow their businesses quickly.”