Blakemore Trade Partners has announced a plan to roll out Verifone Vx820 contactless payment technology across its independent Spar estate following a successful trial.

The business will introduce contactless payment kit to all EPOS stores over the coming months, with the rollout expected to be complete by autumn 2015.

AF Blakemore IT strategic projects director Simon Wiltshire commented: “Our plan is to upgrade payment points across all EPOS stores so that they can accept contactless payments by this autumn.

“The move will result in quicker and more convenient payment transactions at the till point for customers and a lower commission charge for our retailers. Contactless payment will also provide additional payment card security.”

Across the Blakemore Trade Partners independent estate, 30 stores already make use of contactless payment technology. On average 11% of all payment transactions at these sites have been contactless.

The limit for contactless payments is currently £20 but is set to increase to £30 in September 2015.

Blakemore Trade Partners sales director Neil Mercer commented: “This is a significant improvement in technology that will improve our customers’ shopping experience at Spar and also benefit our retailers.”

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