Move over cash, credit and debit cards, 7-Eleven locations in Metro Vancouver are gearing up to accept two Chinese mobile payment systems over the coming months.
On Thursday, WeChat Pay and Alipay announced their payment systems are now accepted at all Richmond and some Vancouver locations of the convenience retail chain, with other Metro Vancouver locations expected to follow in the next few months.
"Digital Payments are on the rise and consumers across the world are embracing them for convenience. 7-Eleven is redefining convenience for our customers across the globe which includes providing mobile payment solutions," said Gurmeet Singh, chief digital officer and chief information officer of 7-Eleven.
"With 67,000 stores worldwide, Alipay and WeChat Pay are just one of many solutions that we provide our global consumers so they can enjoy a frictionless experience in our stores. 7-Eleven is the first convenience retailer to provide Alipay and WeChat Pay mobile payment solutions in Canada, and we continue to drive digital transformation with the latest in consumer-facing mobile technology."
The two Chinese mobile payment systems have been expanding their reach in the Lower Mainland this year, including a recent partnership between Tourism Richmond and local Richmond businesses to accept Alipay’s mobile payment platform. The partnership boasted that Richmond merchants will soon be able to better market to Chinese tourists.
“We’re seeing visitation from China grow year over year. Offering this payment option is a first step to welcoming Chinese customers, whether they’re here as a tourist visiting Metro Vancouver, international student or new immigrant,” said Nancy Small, chief executive officer of Tourism Richmond when the partnership was announced in September.
WeChat Pay and Alipay are two mobile payment systems that are prevalent in China, respectively associated with WeChat (a popular chatting app) and Alibaba (a Chinese online retail giant). Merchants can also market to Chinese consumers, while customers can receive promotional information through the mobile apps.
