In The News

Experts: Wal-Mart Pay Needs Perks

July 08, 2016

mobile payments

Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette

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

Parks: Streaming finds favor in American sports households

More than one-third of American broadband households are using streaming platforms to stay on top of live games from their favorite sports teams and organizations, according to new research releas...

The Smart Money: Why ISP Complexity Is Creating Opportunity for Security Providers

One-third of U.S. internet households now receive gigabit or multigigabit service, and average reported download speed reached 725 Mbps in Q1 2026. Rural households averaged 651 Mbps, compared with 24...

Apple releases HomeView smart home hub with screen as showcase for Siri AI

“Apple always waits for an ecosystem to develop first until they are positive they can provide a stellar user experience,” said Jennifer Kent, principal analyst at Parks Associates, which conducts res...

Apple Expands Smart Home Strategy With New HomeView Hub

Apple's announcements represent a significant expansion of its smart home strategy, moving beyond individual devices toward a more integrated experience spanning entertainment, communications, securit...