DFS Group and Ant Group have announced a global strategic cooperation to enhance payments and marketing digitalisation across DFS’ network of retail and online stores.
As consumer habits shift towards digital lifestyles, DFS will leverage Alipay+ to offer an end-to-end digital experience, engaging with its customers pre, during and post-shopping, across 36 stores in 15 markets, and 12 online shops in four markets.
The partnership will see DFS and Ant collaborating on:
Long Chiu, executive vice president of global marketing and digital ventures at DFS Group, said: “This alliance with Ant Group is not just about numbers and statistics, it's about creating a seamless and exceptional experience for travellers and shoppers. Our commitment to excellence and customer satisfaction will be elevated to new heights through this collaboration. With Ant's expertise and our passion for innovation and providing unforgettable services, there is no doubt that we will achieve remarkable success together.”
Since DFS’ and Ant Group’s partnership in 2014, their cooperation has transformed from Alipay acceptance in Hong Kong SAR, to payment and digital marketing innovation all over the world. In the first half of 2023, spending by Alipay users increase three times at DFS stores, compared to the year before.
Cherry Huang, general manager of Alipay+ offline merchant services, Ant Group, said: “We are excited to strengthen our partnership with DFS, evolving to now incorporating more mobile wallets, marketing capabilities and D-Store online-offline integration via Alipay+. DFS is a favourite retail destination amongst tourists right at the beginning and end of their trip, and we believe this partnership will sweeten travellers’ experiences. As travel resumes, we aim to help more brands cater to these new digital-first habits and drive continued visibility and growth for them.”
The expanded partnership comes as global travel resumes. Consumers today have greater expectations of digital experiences, driven by the strong adoption of mobile wallets, that will shape travel and retail experience, making it vital for brands to adapt to these new needs. Through the end of 2023, DFS and Alipay+ will jointly launch the Summer Campaign, the National Day Holiday campaign and also the Christmas and New Year Campaign, which will offer an enhanced digital experience to shoppers.
Alipay+ is a suite of global cross-border digital payments and marketing solutions designed to enable businesses, especially small and medium-sized businesses, to process a wide range of mobile payment methods and reach one billion regional and global consumers, through one-time integration and simple technical adaption. In addition to payments, Alipay+ also provides a suite of marketing solutions to help merchants reach and engage with consumers.
Re-disseminated by The Asian Banker