Pick n Pay to issue Sims to shoppers

Pick n Pay is expanding its relationship with mobile operator MTN, introducing a new Sim card that will allow consumers to earn free airtime and data when shopping at any of the retailer’s stores.

The two companies first forged a partnership in 2010 when they launched Mobile Money, a money transfer system that allowed Pick n Pay Customers to transfer money securely and to buy goods in Pick n Pay and Boxer stores without needing cash or a debit card. Mobile Money could also be used to purchase prepaid electricity and airtime.

Now the firms are introducing low-cost banking options for South Africans excluded from the formal banking system, and offering them rewards for using the system when shopping at Pick n Pay and Boxer outlets.

A new Mobile Money account will be launched by MTN and Pick n Pay within the next few weeks. Among other things, it will allow for higher-value transactions and daily cash withdrawals, the ability to request a fund transfer from other Mobile Money customers, access to ATMs, and the option to have a bank card. Users will be able to sign up for a Visa debit card for a once-off fee of R29 so they can use the facility at additional retail destinations.

The relaunched service will also offer consumers loyalty benefits, including double points and instant rewards when they pay for their shopping in Pick n Pay and Boxer stores.

As part of their deal, the two companies will also introduce a new Sim card that allows consumers to earn free airtime and data when they shop at Pick n Pay and Boxer stores using their Mobile Money account. They will also be able to convert “Smart Shopper” loyalty points to MTN airtime or data at a discount.

Separately, Pick n Pay has announced that it has grown its online food delivery business by 27% over the past year. In its 2014 annual results, for the period ended 2 March, the retailer announced that it now serves more than 2 000 customers online per week, and has extended the service within the Western Cape, KwaZulu-Natal and the Free State.  — (c) 2014 NewsCentral Media