Alipay, a digital payment platform based in China, has expanded its in-store mobile lifestyle and payments service to the North American retail market as it seeks to enhance the shopping experience for Chinese consumers visiting the U.S. and Canada. The company announced the initiative during NRF Big Show 2017.
In addition to the expansion, Alipay will also broaden its partnership with luxury travel retailer DFS Group to debut its service at the retailer’s Honolulu International Airport store, as well as at T Galleria by DFS.
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More than three million Chinese consumers are predicted to travel to North America in 2017, according to the U.S. Travel Association. Alipay’s solution will enable them to use their Alipay mobile wallet during the checkout process.
“Chinese consumers love to shop when traveling to the U.S. and Canada, but language and payment barriers often complicate the process for many North American retailers,” said Souheil Badran, President of Alipay North America in a statement. “Alipay offers Chinese consumers a familiar and seamless in-store checkout experience, eliminating the need for cash or international credit cards, which often carry high foreign-transaction fees.”