Central Retail Corporation (CRC) is embarking on an innovative journey with Ant Group to launch Alipay+ across its extensive network of stores in Thailand. This dynamic collaboration aims to enhance convenience for international tourists from various Asian regions, including Chinese mainland, Hong Kong SAR, Malaysia, and South Korea.
A Seamless Payment Experience
Alipay+ will allow tourists to pay through their local digital wallets like Alipay (Chinese mainland), AlipayHK (Hong Kong SAR), Touch ‘n Go eWallet (Malaysia), and Kakao Pay (South Korea), without the need to carry cash or exchange for Thai currency. This transformative payment experience will be accessible across over 3,000 stores under Central Retail, including renowned brands such as Central and Robinson Department Stores, Supersports, Tops, Power Buy, B2S, OfficeMate, Matsukiyo, Tops Vita, and Muji.
Amplifying Convenience
The Alipay+ initiative is designed to offer greater convenience and choice for tourists in Thailand. Piyawan Leelasompop, Head of Corporate Marketing, Central Retail Corporation PCL, shared her insights on the partnership, emphasizing the benefits of increased digital payment channels and comprehensive services for cashless payment enthusiasts.
Attracting the Asian Market
CRC is targeting Asian tourists traveling to Thailand, providing an effortless shopping experience via Alipay+. Special promotions and exclusive privileges are on offer to elevate the shopping experiences, with future plans to accommodate tourists from other countries, including in Asia and Europe.
Tourism Boom in Thailand
With over 12.46 million international tourists in the first half of 2023, Thailand’s popularity as a travel destination is soaring. Central Retail’s extensive range of leading brands and shops make it a go-to for international visitors. Sales from international travelers increased remarkably, further validating the timely introduction of Alipay+.
CRC’s Vision and Strategy
The launch of Alipay+ aligns perfectly with CRC’s Retailligence strategy. “The launch of digital payment service Alipay+ will elevate the CRC Ecosystem by bringing the best technologies and systems from around the world to drive inclusive growth for our customers, brands and partners as well as deliver next-level experiences for consumers in every dimension. This is in line with the CRC Retailligence strategy, in which we aim to drive leaping growth within 5 years and become Asia’s Next-Gen Omni Retailer,” concluded Piyawan. The CRC Ecosystem is set to be invigorated by the cutting-edge technologies and systems of Alipay+.
The Ant Group Perspective
Sittipong Kittiprapapong, General Manager for Global Merchant Partnership in Thailand at Ant Group, said, “It is considered an important partnership between Ant Group and Central Retail in offering modern and convenient services so international customers can make borderless digital payments. Additionally, Alipay+ will also enable vendors in Central Retail to accept digital payments from Asian tourists as well as provide a convenient platform for international shoppers to browse products throughout their time in Thailand, delivering convenient and seamless experiences just as if they are in their home country.” Alipay+ will not only enable seamless digital payments but also provide a platform for international shoppers to browse products, replicating the comfort of shopping in their home country.
Mega Campaign for Alipay+ Users
International travelers using Alipay+ at Central Retail stores between 15 August to 30 September 2023 will benefit from the Mega Campaign, receiving cash vouchers for specific spending thresholds. Additional details about the Mega Campaign for Alipay+ users can be found at www.centralretail.com and on Facebook: Central Retail.
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The collaboration between Central Retail and Ant Group marks a significant step towards revolutionizing the digital payment landscape in Thailand. By embracing technology and responding to the dynamic needs of international tourists, CRC is poised to redefine convenience and elevate the retail experience to new heights.
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