PLEASANTON, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--As digital wallet usage continues to accelerate, global payments provider Blackhawk Network and Magstar Inc., an ERP software leader for midsized retailers, have partnered to expand digital wallet acceptance and enhance digital payments options in-store. Through this relationship, merchants and retailers can easily expand payment access beyond traditional payment methods without adopting an entirely new POS system to meet the needs of shifting digital payment preferences for consumers.
Recent research from Blackhawk shows that of the digital wallet growth seen in 2020, 59% of surveyed consumers have been using their digital wallets more frequently than before the pandemic began1. Digital wallet acceptance may also lead to increased shopper loyalty as 63% of respondents report they are more likely to shop at a retailer if they accept the digital payments they use, and 73% of respondents say they want to be able to pay the same way they pay online and in-store1.
“As payments through smartphones become more accepted and ubiquitous, consumers are looking to bring the same convenience and habits of online shopping to in-store experiences, including a seamless payment experience,” said Brett Narlinger, head of global commerce at Blackhawk Network. “With many consumers trying omni-commerce solutions for the first time, they still maintain their existing expectations of the highest levels of service and functionality. We’re proud to deliver on those expectations alongside Magstar.”
“Our partnership with Blackhawk brings extremely simple integration and ease-of-use in digital wallet purchases to our clients,” said Steven Greenwood, president of Magstar. “We felt that it was important to give our customers the right tools to enable them to meet the changing demands of their customers in today’s COVID reality. Consumers have shifted their mindset around contactless payments and mobile wallets over the past year, and the integration of seamless digital wallets purchasing will be a critical tool for retailers to adopt.”
With mobile payments on the rise, it’s not just about consumers finding easy payment options, it’s also about ensuring that retailers and consumers are confident in using new payment tools and technologies. Blackhawk and Magstar can equip retailers with a compelling way to reach target audiences, while also giving consumers the value-added payment experience they’ve come to expect.
Known for being a pioneer in bringing together disparate payments and commerce solutions, Blackhawk is a driving force in innovating tomorrow’s digital experiences. To learn more about Blackhawk’s suite of innovative payment solutions, please visit blackhawknetwork.com.
About Blackhawk Network
Blackhawk Network delivers branded payment solutions through the prepaid products, technologies and network that connect brands and people. We collaborate with our partners to innovate, translating market trends in branded payments to increase reach, loyalty and revenue. We reliably execute security-minded solutions worldwide. Join us as we shape the future of global branded payments. Learn more at blackhawknetwork.com.
About Magstar
For 34 years, Magstar has been helping midsized retailers integrate operations and synchronize workflow with multichannel ERP and POS solutions made explicitly for specialized retailers. With an end-to-end solution that addresses unique industry needs, retail chains can automate processes, gain inventory visibility and outshine competitors. Learn more about Magstar here: www.magstarinc.com.
1 The “Connecting through Payments” study is based on the findings of an internet-based survey conducted by Leger on behalf of Blackhawk Network between March 2 and April 5, 2021. The sample size included over 13,000 respondents in nine countries.
