Spanish retailer El Corte Inglés has announced that it is introducing the Alipay payment system to all of its department stores across Europe.
The retail group says that the introduction of the system, which is owned by Chinese e-commerce giant Alibaba, will offer 'a more personalised payment service to customers of Chinese origin'.
El Corte Inglés sees over 150,000 visitors from China each year, and has been investing to promote Spain as a tourist destination for shopping.
It says that its partnership with Alipay will help it appeal more to Chinese visitors - a market that has 'great future tourism potential'.
Alipay is currently used by more than 520 million people, making it one of the largest payment platforms in the world.
Mobile Payments
Alipay allows customers to complete transactions through its mobile app, without the need for cash or cards.
When paying for purchases, users scan a QR code on their phone, and the transaction is completed automatically, through a credit or debit card linked to their Alipay account.
The app also integrates a social network, promotions, and recommendations for restaurants, travel itineraries and stores, which will now include El Corte Inglés.
The retailer previously introduced Samsung Pay in July 2017, and has since since over 100,000 transactions through the mobile payment system.
© 2018 European Supermarket Magazine – your source for the latest retail news. Article by Sarah Harford. Click subscribe to sign up to ESM: The European Supermarket Magazine.
