DFS Group and Ant Group enhance shopping experience with Alipay+

DFS Group and Ant Group have joined hands as part of its global strategic cooperation efforts to enhance payments and marketing digitalisation across DFS’ network of retail and online stores, with Alipay+ as a primary payment option.

The partnership will see the two collaborating on the deployment of marketing cooperations, allowing cross-border payment acceptance from mobile wallets and driving online to offline experiences as well as improving post-shopping experience by improving the tax refund experience in DFS stores. As consumer habits shift towards digital lifestyles, DFS will also leverage Alipay+ to offer an end-to-end digital experience, engaging with its customers pre, during and post shopping.

Through Alipay+, DFS will be able to accept cross-border payments from Alipay (Chinese mainland), AlipayHK (Hong Kong SAR), Touch ‘n Go eWallet (Malaysia), Kakao Pay (South Korea) and TrueMoney (Thailand).

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Long Chiu, executive VP of global marketing and digital ventures at DFS Group, said the alliance with Ant Group is about creating a seamless experience for travellers and shoppers. “Our commitment to excellence and customer satisfaction will be elevated to new heights with this collaboration. With Ant’s expertise and passion for innovation, there is no doubt that we will achieve remarkable success together,” he said.

Since DFS’ and Ant Group’s partnership in 2014, their cooperation has grown from Alipay acceptance exclusively in Hong Kong SAR, to payment and digital marketing innovation globally. According to a release to the press, in the first half of 2023, spending by Alipay users has increased three times at DFS stores, compared to the year before.

Cherry Huang, the general manager of Alipay+ offline merchant services at Ant Group, said that the group is looking forward to 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’ experience. As travel resumes, we aim to help more brands cater to these new digital-first habits and drive continued visibility and growth for them,” she added.

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, according to the release, DFS and Alipay+ will jointly launch the Summer Campaign, the National Day Holiday campaign and also the Christmas and New Year Campaign, that will offer an enhance digital experience to shoppers.

Earlier this year, Ant Group and NBA China started a comprehensive strategic collaboration to create original online content and a customised consumer experiences on Alipay for NBA fans in China and users on Ant Group’s platforms.   

Through the collaboration, Ant Group and NBA China are set to develop original video content, joint membership, NBA mini-programme, joint marketing campaigns, digital collectibles and social responsibility initiatives to engage fans and communities. The collaboration marks the first time for NBA fans in China to gain access to NBA video content on Alipay.