UK supermarket giant Asda tests support for Apple Pay
Major U.K. supermarket chain Asda is currently in real-world testing of Apple Pay, despite its parent company, Walmart, not offering any compatibility whatsoever in North America.
The technology trial is taking place in "a few" locations, Asda said on Twitter, without specifying which ones. People messaging its support account suggested that Apple Pay is available in at least two stores -- one in Ferring, England and the second in Aberdeen, Scotland.
In theory Asda could attempt a wider rollout by the end of the year, depending on its infrastructure progress. In the U.S. though some retailers have announced plans for Apple Pay and failed to deliver for months or even years, like Anthropologie and Forever 21.
Walmart recently launched Walmart Pay in the U.S. The QR-based system is less convenient than something like Apple Pay or Android Pay, but should eventually support those platforms in some manner.
The technology trial is taking place in "a few" locations, Asda said on Twitter, without specifying which ones. People messaging its support account suggested that Apple Pay is available in at least two stores -- one in Ferring, England and the second in Aberdeen, Scotland.
In theory Asda could attempt a wider rollout by the end of the year, depending on its infrastructure progress. In the U.S. though some retailers have announced plans for Apple Pay and failed to deliver for months or even years, like Anthropologie and Forever 21.
Walmart recently launched Walmart Pay in the U.S. The QR-based system is less convenient than something like Apple Pay or Android Pay, but should eventually support those platforms in some manner.
Comments
I've been using my Apple Pay devices at my local ASDA since pretty much when Apple Pay launched in the UK; my Apple Pay iPhone and Apple Watch are treated like any other contactless card with the £30 limit.
I hope that should ASDA decide to support Apple Pay that they will fully support making payments higher than £30.
- Store installs iBeacons in each aisle.
- You (user) enter your grociery list.
- As you enter each aisle, the app says which items from your list are in that aisle:
"This aisle has 2 of your items: coffee and sugar."For example:
1. going in library, an auto notification pop up to inform you of the latest book available, or your overdue book loan.
2. going to the museum, an apps will show you the information of exactly the item in front of you (or better yet if you use BT phone: an oral explanation)
3. going to parking lot, an apps with map will show you exactly where the empty spot is (or better yet, direct reserve the spot so only you can park there and/or will direct an Apple Car towards it).
Oh, and have to pay to park outside the store 24/7/52.
Then we have all within 3-4 miles, branches of Morrisons, Tesco, Lidl, Aldi, Waitrose and Sainsbury's all with at least an hour free parking.
Would ASDA taking Apple Pay make me shop there? What do you think?
Change neighbourhood?
I'd go further. With Apple's new FlyBy Media* capability, the store could look at your grocery list and map the most efficient path through the store. Based on your shopping list they could suggest (ping you) about other, companion item items that may be of interest. Tho, it would utterly destroy Guy's Grocery Games.
* http://appleinsider.com/articles/16/08/23/apple-patent-details-visual-based-ar-navigation-confirms-flyby-media-acquisition
Edit: ignore all the above!
I forgot that [grocery] shopping is a social activity, where: