Homeland Stores' Customers Embrace Pay-by-phone Service
Based on a successful mobile payments pilot program launched in June, Homeland Stores, a 78-store regional supermarket chain headquartered in Oklahoma City, plans to expand the system chain-wide.
The grocer worked with mobile payments technology provider DoubleBeam on the project, which included the development of Homeland's SwiftScan mobile application that enables customers to pay for purchases using their smartphones. To date, the app is accepted for payment at 20 Homeland locations, and the company plans to add 26 more locations by the end of October.
"The SwiftScan app is another example of Homeland's commitment to save our customers' time and money each time they visit our stores," said Daryl Fitzgerald, president and CEO, Homeland Stores. "We have had a tremendous response to the app, and are pleased to make the convenient pay-by-phone service available at more Homeland locations throughout our community."
Within three months of the initial pilot, more than 1,500 customers downloaded the Homeland SwiftScan application and have collectively purchased $55,000 in goods using a smartphone device. Once downloaded, customers can activate the payment option by taking a picture of a check and a photo ID. At the register, customers can then pay for purchases by scanning a QR code, and selecting the payment option.
As an added introductory reward, customers who pay with their phones will earn 20 cents per gallon off the price of gas at any participating Homeland or Shell Gas Station. Homeland customers will qualify for the discount each time they use their phone to pay for at least $25 worth of groceries in participating stores and provide their One Card at the time of purchase. Customers can also use the app to locate stores, view weekly specials, create shopping lists and sign up to receive exclusive discounts.
"Homeland is one of the first grocery chains in the country to bring the convenience of mobile payments to their customers," said Ted Tekippe, CEO of DoubleBeam. "We are proud to partner with a progressive company like Homeland that strives to not just meet, but exceed customer expectations."
Homeland operates under several banners including United, Country Mart, Super Save and Super Plaza.