Tablet owners spent big this holiday season

Tablet computers rose to the occasion this holiday season, as American tablet owners demonstrated that the mobile devices are the ideal tool for skipping the checkout line and just getting shopping done online.

According to a study from media marketing solutions provider Zmags, 87 percent of tablet owners say they used their devices to browse and purchase gifts this holiday season. On average, tablet owners spent $325 on mobile commerce purchases.

This represents a significant shift for the retail industry. For the last decade, retailers have been adjusting their practices to cater to online shopping via PCs. Now they have to take their online presence a step further to meet the demand of mobile shoppers.

Some experts say the adjustment to mobile shoppers will be necessary, especially considering the potential profits to be gained from this demographic. Tablet owners tend to be wealthier and are more inclined to make big purchases through the web. Retailers that can cater to this crowd early may find themselves at a distinct advantage over many of their competitors.