France-based retailer Auchan has launched a mobile wallet payments device ‘Flash and Pay’ which allows customers to pay for purchases and manage coupons and loyalty programmes on a single device.
The QR code-based multi-channel mobile payments system, developed by wholly-owned subsidiary Oney Banque Accord, "can be used by all consumers, whatever may be their purchasing channel, telephone operator or bank, and incorporates all their payment and loyalty cards issued by all retail chains," the retailer said.
Customers can download the application to their smartphones and link payment, and loyalty cards to their accounts. At the checkout a QR code is displayed by the merchant’s terminal which shoppers capture a picture of the code on their phone and and enter a pin to complete the payment. “It enables customers to improve their purchasing power by optimising the use of their loyalty programmes and reductions, to access personalised shopping tips and to discover a new shopping experience,” the French retailer added.
Flash'n Pay also enables payment for ecommerce and mcommerce transactions. When purchasing from an online store, customers can use their phone to snap a picture of a 2D barcode at checkout and then enter their PIN on their headset.
The retailer said the governance of Flash'n Pay SAS will be ensured by retailers and the mobile payment service will be independent of telephone operators and banks.
"Our goal is to create the m-payment standard within the retail sector, independent of any telephone operators and banks," said Benedict Liagre, director of innovation and organisation at Oney Banque Accord and CEO of Flash'n Pay SAS. "Retailers want to remain in control of their customer data. This need for independence vis-à-vis banks and mobile operators is a reality and that is why we have developed Flash'n Pay," he said, adding that the system will be governed by the retailer.
Flash'n Pay will be rolled out in Auchan's 127 stores in France, as well as outlets in Luxembourg and Portugal, in April 2013. It is currently being trialled in Auchan’s store in Faches-Thumesnil. (13 Dec)
© 2012 - ESM: European Supermarket Magazine
