US retailer Walmart has stepped out in front of competitors by being the first retailer to launch its own mobile payment solution.
Rivalling the likes of Apple Pay and Samsung Pay, Walmart Pay will launch into selected stores this month across the US, with a nationwide launch due to come into effect by the first half of 2016.
Unlike Apple Pay, however, Walmart Pay works on any iOS or Android Device, and requires the consumer to scan a QR code generated at the checkout. It operates through the pre-existing Walmart app, which is actively used by 22 million customers every month, according to Walmart. The app is said to be among the top three retail apps in the Google and Apple app stores.
Neil Ashe, President and CEO of Walmart Global eCommerce, said: “The Walmart app was built to make shopping faster and easier. Walmart Pay is the latest example – and a powerful addition – of how we are transforming the shopping experience by seamlessly connecting online, mobile and stores for the 140 million customers who shop with us weekly.”
Meanwhile, Daniel Eckert, Senior Vice President, Services, Walmart US, added: “The simplicity and ease of Walmart Pay comes not only from how it works, but also in how it’s been built. We made a strategic decision to design Walmart Pay to work with almost any smartphone and accept almost any payment type – even allowing for the integration of other mobile wallets in the future. The result is an innovation that will make the ease of mobile payments a reality for millions of Americans.”
