Head to any area populated by college-age people and you are guaranteed to see an abundance of mobile devices being used to handle a number of different tasks. From searching the internet to answering emails to comparing prices, it seems like smartphones have become ingrained into many daily decisions of the younger generation.

According to a recent study by Study Breaks and Campus2Careers, this also extends to the mCommerce realm. According to the report, 90 percent of college students use their mobile device to search for deals and coupons when they shop.

Of the 689 student respondents, 51 percent "always" or "often" consult their smartphones to see if there is a deal to be had before making a purchase. Only 10 percent responded "never." On top of that, 46 percent cited that they have scanned a QR code in a print ad to get additional savings.

"What this all means is that, like it or not, mobile devices are an extension of college students - a practical limb - and it's crucial that businesses take advantage of this," a statement from Study Breaks reads. "To do this, a business should develop mobile marketing tactics and a mobile site to increase interactivity and reach potential college students at any time via the one form of media that they never put down: their mobile device."

It is impossible to deny that the use of mobile devices and digital coupons is going to play a role in the future of retail. Because of this, merchants that are able to roll out a mobile commerce solution now, while the trend is still young, will be ahead of the curve and remain relevant when it becomes a mandatory feature.