Many merchants have realized the benefits that mobile commerce can bring to their business. As more consumers make smartphones and tablets a part of everyday life, the chance of retailers needing to deal with this kind of transaction is becoming a greater reality. According to a recent report, that time could be sooner than most think.

Released last week by eMarketer, the study predicts that by 2017, approximately 25 percent of online transactions in the U.S. will take place on a mobile device. That is more than double the number that occurred during 2012.

In 2013, mobile commerce sales are expected to rise 82 percent from $24.81 billion to $38.84 billion per year. That number will continue to rise and by 2017, mCommerce will generate more than $108 billion in U.S. retail sales.

Aside from financial applications, the use of mobile devices in purchases will also increase. This year, nearly 80 million U.S. consumers, which is about 51 percent of all online buyers, will make some kind of purchase from a mobile device. Over the next four years, that will also grow to more than 66 percent of digital buyers.

There will also only be a small change in what devices are used as tablets gain a larger market share. Currently around 60 percent of mobile sales will be placed on the device. That number will see substantial growth in the coming years and reach 70 percent by 2017. By that time, smartphones will be responsible only 25 percent of mobile sales.

The use of mobile devices in the retail sector is a growing concern for every merchant. Those businesses that are early adopters of the technology will have a better opportunities with customers in the future.