SM STORE ADOPTS GLOBE’S SCAN-TO-PAY FEATURE

Globe Telecom announced on Friday that the QR code-scan-to-pay feature for mobile wallet GCash has been made available in SM Store, part of conglomerate SMInvestments Corp.

This is the latest addition in a growing list of merchants, which include malls owned by Globe affiliate Ayala Land Inc., Robinsons Malls’ retail outlets and convenience store chain Ministop. GCash’s main rival is PLDT Inc.’s Paymaya, which is also aggressively tapping retailers.

With the scan-to-pay feature, consumers can pay for products and services by scanning QR codes displayed by merchants and stores.

“GCash mobile wallet service announced today that its scan-to-pay feature is now available at all SM Store nationwide and at the information booths of SM Malls,” Globe said in a statement.

Anthony Thomas, president and CEO of Mynt—the financial technology company owned by Globe, Chinese tycoon Jack Ma’s Ant Financial and Ayala Corp.—said the rollout of the QR code acceptance was ongoing.

“We’re not installing a device but just a sticker with a QR code. The customer simply scans that sticker so no need for additional machines for transactions and there’s no cost to the machine but more benefits to the merchants,” Thomas said.

“Cash is still convenient but there’s also the issue of security and handling. With GCash scanto-pay feature, we’re bringing that down to the level where merchants can adapt,” he added.

Globe noted that other merchants currently using the feature were the Max’s Group of restaurants, apparel brand Bench and international brands special retailer Stores Specialists Inc.