Electricals and mobile phone retailer Carphone Warehouse (CPW) has launched a mobile checkout app allowing customers to make mobile payments, it has been announced today.
Developed by the Mobile Money Network (MMN), of which ex-M&S CEO Sir Stuart Rose is non-executive Chairman, the app is powered by Simply Tap, a venture launched last November.
Allowing customers to make orders from any participating store, the system uses QR codes and image recognition via an instant mobile checkout which Rose believes will simplify payment offerings.
Commenting on the system last year, Rose said: “For a growing number of retailers, we are cutting through all of the complexity of mobile commerce by offering a common platform that addresses real retailer and consumer needs today.
“This marks the first step on the journey to realising our vision and it is fantastic to have so many retail brands coming together to make this a reality for shoppers.”
Customers can register for and install the app at any of CPW‘s 800 stores and can then shop anytime as well as from an in-app marketplace on their smartphone as well as in store.
“There is no doubt that mobile is changing the way that people search for and buy products,” explained Andrew Harrison, CPW CEO.
“We know consumers and retailers alike want to take advantage of mobile payments. Ofcom recently confirmed that 31 per cent of smartphone users have used their devices to take photos of a product and 21 per cent already scan bar codes.
“Forward thinking retailers are already capitalising on this by installing Wi-fi networks and launching specific apps.
“Carphone Warehouse is at the forefront of innovation to create a better mobile payments experience.”
Last month, CPW announced a two per cent sales drop across its European operations over its first quarter due to a weak prepay market though the retailer highlighted the importance of future “exciting opportunities” aimed at reversing its fortunes.
