#Japan #Tokyo #DearOne #ModuleApps2.0 #OMO Apps

DearOne's ModuleApps2.0 Surpasses 150 Million Downloads

DearOne, a subsidiary of NTT Docomo specializing in marketing solutions, proudly announces that its official app development service, ModuleApps2.0, has surpassed a remarkable 150 million downloads as of February 2026. This milestone marks a significant achievement in the evolving landscape of app development, particularly in the context of Online-Merge-Offline (OMO) applications.

Changing Landscape of OMO Applications

As businesses with physical stores evolve, the development of proprietary apps has progressed beyond mere digital membership cards. Companies are now looking for advanced OMO solutions, entering what is termed the “second or third generation” of app development. ModuleApps2.0 offers a wealth of flexible modules that enable rapid app development, catering to the varying needs of small enterprises, municipalities, and even large corporations with complex system integrations. Through this journey, three must-have features have emerged as essential in recent app development initiatives.

1. Seamless Integration with Various MarTech Tools

The number one demand is for seamless external integrations with existing Marketing Automation (MA) tools and customer databases. Leveraging extensive experience from its Growth Marketing sector, DearOne excels in providing a vast array of SDK integrations and database connections. This capability allows for their clients’ sophisticated requirements to be met while offering flexible and customizable UI options, free from standard constraints.

2. Simplifying Operations with Unified Barcode Systems

To enhance customer purchase experiences and maximize Customer Lifetime Value (LTV), many large firms and railway companies are not just relying on widespread joint point systems but are actively constructing unique loyalty ecosystems within specific regions or corporate groups. However, it is crucial to ensure that customers can seamlessly utilize their proprietary loyalty points alongside various shared point services at the checkout. The approach of “Unified Barcode” allows for all necessary barcodes—membership, coupons, and loyalty points—to be scanned on a single screen, promoting ease of operation and enhancing user experience at retail counters.

3. Tailored Must-Have Features for Various Industries

Customization of essential functions and UI/UX optimization based on industry-specific requirements is imperative. ModuleApps2.0 robustly supports functionalities such as:

• - Drugstores: Fast “Unified Barcode” payment and points presentation at checkout.
• - Home Centers: Inventory search features and floor mapping integration assisting customers in locating products within vast store layouts.
• - Hotels and Commercial Spaces: Incorporation of smart keys (contactless keys) and creation of a seamless purchase experience across facilities.

Polarized Demand Among Major Enterprises

While the complexity of features continues to grow, firms with multiple brands and commercial facilities have exhibited a clear trend of polarized digital needs. DearOne is equipped to provide a flexible foundational platform that addresses both fronts.

Brand Integration Apps Led by Major Corporations

There is an ongoing trend among large enterprises to consolidate multiple brands into a single app. This strategy not only enhances user convenience but also serves to centralize customer data across entire corporate groups. A notable example is the collaborative development of the “my Sanmaruku” integrated app, which supports approximately 370 stores across 19 dining brands.

Individual Development through Modular Expansion

Conversely, enterprises that prioritize unique branding or have significant discrepancies in brand awareness often require individual apps for each brand or facility. ModuleApps2.0 leverages a common feature foundation that facilitates quick and cost-efficient horizontal expansion of multiple applications, ensuring that each retains its unique characteristics. This was exemplified by the digital strategy acceleration in a project involving the Japan Urban Fund Co., where a common application infrastructure was introduced across seven facilities, balancing cost efficiency with individual uniqueness.

Recent Successes and Support

DearOne's services extend across various industries, assisting in app development and renewals for retail, apparel, dining, and municipal sectors.

Recent highlights include:

• - Development of the DAISO app featuring inventory search capabilities in collaboration with Daiso.
• - Support for Kainz in creating a next-generation in-store signage system, Smart Floor Navigation.
• - Renovation of the Wellness Pharmacy Group app, which saw significant growth in senior downloads, nearing 1 million over eight months, and a 192% increase in monthly active users.

As we look to the future, DearOne is committed to continuing its support not just for speedy and flexible app development through ModuleApps2.0 but also for monetizing apps through its retail ad network, ARUTANA. By utilizing cutting-edge MarTech tools, we aim to create seamless, high-quality customer experiences to achieve sustainable business growth for various enterprises.