Providing Market Intelligence for 40 Years

More than 25 percent of U.S. smartphone owners use payment apps at least once a month, according to recent data compiled by Dallas-based research and consulting firm Parks Associates.

The firm said more than three million retailers now accept popular payment services like Apple Pay and Android Pay, but its data indicates consumers currently prefer retailer-specific applications.

"To be frank, I think this has a lot to do with consumers' loyalty to certain brands," said Harry Wang, director of mobile and health research with Parks Associates. "If you have a strong loyalty to the brands, you're more likely to shop at the place and you want to experience the brand in every angle possible, and the payment is part of the experience. Especially if a retailer includes loyalty cards and discounts to consumers that provide more incentive to use those applications."

From the article "Experts: Wal-Mart Pay Needs Perks" by Robbie Neiswanger.

Previously In The News

Roku Stock Retreats After Device Maker’s Roaring IPO

The scrappy independent streaming-platform developer has been able to beat Goliaths in the tech biz. Roku had 37% share of all streaming devices owned by U.S. broadband households in the first quarter...

Apple's home head leaves, and new products launch, on HomeKit Insider

We also spent some time discussing a new Parks Associates study that surveyed 10,000 homes to identify the growth in smart home tech. Doorbells and locks were the fastest growing category this year, w...

How Roku Morphed From a Quirky Hardware Startup to a TV Streaming Powerhouse

Roku has kept its eye on simplicity ever since that first player while also making products that often are far more affordable than those of its competition. “People underappreciate how important pric...

Has the Pullback of Roku Stock Created an Opportunity?

Even with the recent decline of Roku stock price, the shares are still not cheap, as they have a trailing price-sales multiple of 10.75. But then again, Roku stock deserves a premium, given the compan...