El Corte Ingles, a Spanish retailer, has signed an agreement with Chinese e-commerce firm Alibaba to introduce the Alipay payment system to its stores across Europe.
The move will benefit over 150,000 visitors from China who come to visit El Corte Ingles stores every year.
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To make purchases, users have to scan a QR code on their phone and are required to connect their credit or debit card to their Alipay account.
BBVA has developed the technological platform to help the retailer process Alipay payments by Chinese tourists.
The Spanish bank became a partner of Alipay in June 2017 and plans to work with other local retailers to help them integrate Alipay.
BBVA’s Carlos Laita said: “We’re delighted to work with El Corte Ingles and help them become the first major Spanish retailer offering Alipay’s services in the whole of Spain. It is a great opportunity to cater to this segment of international tourists.”
