CHINA. Luxury travel retailer DFS and Ant Group (an Alibaba Group affiliate) this week announced a global strategic partnership to develop payment and digital marketing for DFS online and offline shops.
Responding to global travel’s accelerated recovery and surging consumer demand for digital consumption, DFS has joined forces with Alipay to offer end-to-end digital experiences in 36 of its shops in 15 markets worldwide, as well as 12 online shops in four markets, and an online D-Store (a digital store solution -Ed).
DFS will build on Alipay+’s digital solutions for commerce to enable a full chain of pre-trip, on-trip, and post-trip interactions with user interaction.
The signing of the agreement was witnessed by Long Chiu, Executive Vice President, Digital Projects & Marketing, DFS Group and Dr Huang Yin, General Manager, Alipay International Offline Merchant Services, Ant Group.
DFS Vice President, Marketing and Strategic Partnerships Roger Qiu; DFS Group Vice President, Corporate Affairs Mackie Tan; Alipay Deputy General Manager, Cross Border Business Shishi Xing; and Alipay Head of Travel Retail Deng Libang participated in the ceremony.
The DFS retail network spans four continents and encompasses more than 750 brands. Since 2014, DFS and Alipay have been steadily expanding their global partnership with a series of payment, marketing and digital innovations, starting with the acceptance of Alipay payments at DFS shops in Hong Kong.
In the first half of 2023, spending via Alipay payments at DFS shops around the world has jumped to more than three times that of the same period a year ago.
From now until the end of 2023, DFS and Alipay will strengthen their major marketing cooperation during summer, National Day and New Year’s Day holidays. The partners aim to jointly create an enhanced digital shopping experience, unify their membership rights and improve the post-purchase experience.
In recent years, following in the footsteps of Alipay, the mobile payment industry in various countries has been growing rapidly. As a result, Ant Group has accelerated the global roll-out of its cross-border digital payment solution, Alipay+, which helps companies to realise access to advanced mobile payment methods through a one-time, lightweight integration.
In addition to payments, Ant Group also provides a complete digital marketing solution to help merchants reach and convert consumers. In particular, it helps travel retail brands undergo digital transformation, something that will reshape the shopping and service experience in the travel retail industry, the two companies said.
DFS Group Executive Vice President, Digital Projects & Marketing Long Chiu said: “The alliance with Alipay will not only help both parties to enhance their business, but also create a seamless and superior experience for travellers and consumers.
“Our commitment to excellence and customer satisfaction will be taken to a whole new level through this partnership. With Alipay’s expertise and DFS Group’s passion for innovation, there is no doubt that together we will deliver unforgettable services that will lead to extraordinary success.
“Today the two parties are not just signing a contract, but weaving a red thread linking the visions, values and common aspirations of the two groups.”
Ant Group General Manager, Alipay International Offline Merchant Services Huang Yin said: “The partnership with DFS Group integrates Alipay’s international wallet payment and marketing capabilities, as well as the D-Store digital offerings, to a new level.
“DFS is a favourite retail destination for travellers, and we believe that the enhanced collaboration will enable travel consumers to have a more enjoyable experience whenever and wherever they want.
“As the international travel market recovers, we look forward to supporting more brands to capitalise on a range of new digital opportunities that will help them achieve both reputation and sales growth.” ✈
