According to a study from the Consumer Electronics Association (News - Alert) (CEA), purchases on mobile devices have expanded dramatically and will continue to do so over the next 12 months, making mobile commerce one of the fastest growing and expanding markets in the U.S.

With nine out of 10 consumers owning a tablet, smartphone, or a cell phone, it translates into 216 million users that are potential consumers in the mobile market. More than one-third of mobile device owners are shopping or purchasing online or in-store; using or redeeming coupons or gift cards; or searching for coupons.

While most online purchases still happen without mobile devices, those engaging in mobile commerce represent over one-third (35 percent) of all online transactions. The categories mobile users are shopping for most are consumer electronics, clothing, and footwear, while books and music are the most purchased.

How promising is the future of mobile commerce? Jessica Boothe, manager of strategic research with CEA, believes the sky is the limit. “Consumers are open to new technologies as they continue to evolve and develop. With the growth of mobile devices, mobile commerce will play a more integral role in the everyday shopping habits of consumers, especially as they continue to seek bargains and comparison shop.”

As many mobile device owners intend to make more purchases using their devices in the next 12 months, it is estimated that consumers will spend $575 on average, over the next year, creating a large market opportunity for those interested in leveraging mobile commerce for business purposes.

Companies such as Zmags, a global provider of rich mobile media and social merchandising, have already jumped on the opportunity. Announcing Tuesday, its new consumer-shopping interface that will redefine and streamline a buyer's shopping experience on tablets, smartphones, and social media sites. The “Convergence (News - Alert)” interface allows retailers; brands, multi-level marketers and agencies to create a new, engaging and immersive shopping experience that will change today's search-and-purchase model to a new strategy of discovery and inspiration.

Credit and debit companies are also jumping on the mobile commerce bandwagon, as Visa and Intel (News - Alert) have formed a strategic alliance to develop mobile purchasing solutions tailored to consumers in both developed and developing countries. During a press conference at the Mobile World Congress (News - Alert) this week, the two outlined their plans to collaborate and ensure a consistent, streamlined and secure mobile commerce experience for consumers.

Although some consumers have security concerns or prefer to make purchases in other ways, it is clear that there is a large segment of users that want to use their personal devices for mobile purchases. This is an emerging market that should have a huge impact on 2012, especially during the holiday season. Why worry about getting out of bed at the crack of dawn to stand in a line outside your favorite retailer when you can purchase it at the same time, at home, in your bed, with a smartphone or tablet?