DFS Group and Ant Group have entered into an epoch-making global strategic alliance to magnify digitalization in payment methods and marketing throughout DFS’ extensive network of retail and online stores. This partnership exemplifies the companies’ ambitious response to the significant shift in consumer habits towards digital lifestyles.
Enhancing Digital Experience with Alipay+
As part of this innovative collaboration, DFS will utilize Alipay+ to furnish an end-to-end digital experience, actively engaging with customers at all stages of shopping. The reach extends across 36 stores in 15 markets and 12 online shops in 4 markets.
Partnership Highlights
Marketing Cooperation
- Increased Visibility: By integrating directly within Alipay and Alipay+ partner wallets’ apps, DFS’s visibility will expand exponentially.
- Personalized Rewards: Shoppers can expect more targeted and relevant rewards, including exclusive offers.
Payment Integration
- Cross-Border Payment Acceptance: With Alipay+, DFS will enable travelers from various regions, including the Chinese mainland, Hong Kong SAR, Malaysia, Philippines, South Korea, and Thailand, to make easy and secure payments.
Online-to-Offline Experience
- Alipay+ D-Store: DFS has launched a digital store solution within the Alipay app, offering a suite of toolkits to digitalize merchants’ operations and marketing.
Exclusive Offerings
- Innovative Membership Privileges: The partnership will also introduce unique membership benefits, enhancing the in-store experience.
- Efficient Post-Shopping Experience: Tourists will enjoy more convenient and efficient Tax Refund services in DFS stores.
Leadership Insights
Long Chiu, Executive Vice President of DFS Group, expressed that the alliance with Ant Group is about creating an “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.”
Dr. Cherry Huang, General Manager of Alipay+ Offline Merchant Services at Ant Group, highlighted “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 tourist 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.”
Historical Collaboration & Future Plans
Since their partnership’s inception in 2014, DFS and Ant Group have elevated payment and digital marketing innovation globally. Spending by Alipay users has even tripled at DFS stores in the first half of 2023.
With global travel resuming and customers expecting heightened digital experiences, DFS and Alipay+ will launch exclusive campaigns throughout 2023, offering an enhanced digital experience to shoppers.
Also read: Ant Group Extends Alipay+ Coverage to All 7-Eleven Stores in Malaysia
This strategic collaboration between DFS Group and Ant Group is poised to set a new standard in the retail and travel sectors, merging technology and personalization like never before. As businesses worldwide grapple with ever-changing consumer needs, this partnership stands as a beacon for the future of digital retail and marketing.
