The Logic Group Blog

Over 50% of adults in the UK [1] already have contactless credit/debit cards, yet how many of them know what they have in their pockets? And how many would be willing to use contactless payment cards, even in an existing enabled environment? A survey from Which showed that only 54% of 158 Londoners surveyed would be willing to use contactless cards as opposed to Oyster cards, even if it gave them the same benefits [2]. Combine that with the fact that many people feel they are not protected in case of fraudulent use, and one could be forgiven for thinking that contactless cards stand no chance. Is this just a case of lack of consumer awareness and trust?

It's been a grim couple of years for the high street with an estimated 30 chain stores closing daily [1]. A recent PriceWaterhouseCoopers report suggests that, over the last 12 months, major retailers in the UK have closed close to 1,000 stores; caused by a combination of the recession and the growth of the internet shopping (compared to 174 in 2011). With many big names such as Comet, Game and Clinton Cards feeling the strain, the Government recently pulled together a think tank to come up with a solution to the demise of the high street. But, perhaps the rebirth of the high street is possible with the reinvention of retailing through an old foe (the internet), as we see a blurring of the real world and virtual worlds with mobile-commerce.

The Logic Group were delighted to exhibit and speak at the first Mobile Wallet Summit Europe, on 28th and 29th November 2012.

Solutions Marketing Manager, Mark Prior-Egerton gives a summary of the key highlights from the day, and his thoughts and vision around the convergence of payment and loyalty solutions, and the role mobile will play in this.

As the festive season gets into full flow, many retailers and supermarkets are pushing seasonal offers and are heavily discounting their goods for additional custom. However, our customer loyalty research with Ipsos Mori has revealed that, “Discounting Isn’t A Sustainable Consumer Drug”.

The research found that the cash-strapped British consumer will shop around for the best discounts, but a majority (70% of respondents) still prefer loyalty schemes where they can get better offers and services for being more loyal. As well as expecting offers to be available, almost half (48%) of shoppers expect to get better service from their loyalty scheme membership than normal shoppers.

“Black Friday” lasted a whole weekend and was the perfect time to do my online shopping. I would say that buying online is definitely the preferred choice of this blogger, however the experience was a little “flaky” and I wonder how it could be improved?