UK, 16 October 2018: Gamers will be the first in the UK to be able to send a text message so they can skip the awkward conversation about buying products on finance.
Around 20 Experience GAME stores are taking part in a pilot run of Mobile for Credit, launched in partnership with Experian and Close Brothers Retail Finance, which has recently been acquired by the leading payment provider Klarna Bank AB. It will streamline the process of buying consoles and other major gaming products on finance.
Shoppers at participating GAME stores can now text the keyword displayed in-store to a short text number.
Customers will then receive a link to fill in their name and postcode on an Experian website, which is customised to the retailer’s brand colours, and will receive an indication of their likelihood of being accepted for finance with Close Brothers Retail Finance before applying. The pre-application check is free, secure and does not affect a person’s credit history.
If they wish to progress, shoppers can then approach the counter and apply with greater confidence of their likelihood of acceptance without the concerns typically associated with making an in-store application.
James Sheldon, Sales & Commercial Director for HD Decisions at Experian, said: “Online shoppers expect a seamless experience when looking at how they could pay for what they want – so why shouldn’t in-store customers expect the same? Talking about finance can be awkward, especially if you’re not sure of your likelihood of finance acceptance. We’re excited to bring Mobile for Credit to the high street so people can check their likelihood of acceptance from the comfort of their mobile phones.”
Rhys Davies, Focus Categories Manager at GAME, said: “We are always trying to create the best shopping experience for our customers, so being able to understand likelihood of acceptance with just one text will streamline the process. Partnering with Experian and Close Brothers offers our consumers more options when it comes to purchasing their gaming equipment and we are very excited about what this means for them.”
Abby Vickers, Credit Risk Director at Close Brothers Retail Finance, said: “We are leading the way in financial services in helping our retailers deliver a better experience and achieve better outcomes for their customers. Consumers demand the best buying experience from retailers in order to stay loyal and they also expect to be given the option to spread the cost of purchases so we are excited to partner with Experian and GAME to launch our new Mobile for Credit service.
“This self-serve facility offers a seamless experience to in-store shoppers and can help boost consumer confidence by giving an indication of their likelihood of acceptance for credit before they apply. This offers a great experience for shoppers and in these tough market conditions this can help retailers to reach new customers and fuel much needed growth.”
ENDS
Media contact:
Ade O’Connor, Senior PR Manager, Corporate & Business, UK&I, Experian
Tel: 07583 085 796 / Email: ade.o’connor@experian.com
About Experian
Experian® is the world’s leading global information services company. During life’s big moments – from buying a home or a car, to sending a child to college, to growing a business by connecting with new customers – we empower consumers and our clients to manage their data with confidence. We help individuals to take financial control and access financial services, businesses to make smarter decisions and thrive, lenders to lend more responsibly, and organisations to prevent identity fraud and crime.
We have 16,000 people operating across 37 countries and every day we’re investing in new technologies, talented people and innovation to help all our clients maximise every opportunity. We are listed on the London Stock Exchange (EXPN) and are a constituent of the FTSE 100 Index. Learn more at www.experianplc.com or visit our global content hub at our global news blog for the latest news and insights from the company.
About GAME
GAME Digital plc is a leading gaming company, providing an authoritative range of gaming and gaming lifestyle products and services to customers. GAME’s UK and Spanish retail businesses are the market leaders in those geographical areas, operating a total of 580 stores, a fully integrated omni-channel offer, and reaching more than 18 million consumers across its reward programmes. Through its esports and events activities the Group is delivering unparalleled consumer gaming experiences directly, and on behalf of third parties, including its flagship event, Insomnia, the UK’s largest gaming festival. Across its digital businesses the Group is pioneering the use of new technologies to reach gamers and business partners outside its main markets. This is effected through Ads Reality Limited, the Group’s visual recognition and augmented reality business and Multiplay, its specialist game server hosting business. For more information please visit www.gamedigitalplc.com, www.multiplay.com or www.adsreality.com
About Close Brothers Retail Finance
Close Brothers Retail Finance is a multi award-winning retail finance provider championing specialist retailers, from start-ups and small businesses to leading brands. It’s point of sale finance products allow shoppers to pay over time in simple, fixed monthly payments – helping retailers convert more browsers into buyers.
The leading payment provider Klarna Bank AB which wants to revolutionise the shopping experience for shoppers and merchants alike is now acquiring Close Brothers Retail Finance. Klarna and Close Brothers Retail Finance hold a shared commitment to building deep partnerships with merchants and an unrelenting focus on the customer experience. By combining capabilities, we can help retailers to thrive by offering even more innovative and flexible payment solutions to merchants and customers in the UK and across markets.