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Sports Authority’s Customers Can Now ‘Tap & Go’ for Fast, Easy Payments Using MasterCard PayPass
Merchant Acceptance of PayPass Contactless Payments Continues to Grow Alongside Rising Consumer Preference for Electronic Payments
"In addition to the latest sporting goods, equipment and apparel, we strive to provide our customers with the best possible services and conveniences," said Tom McVey, senior vice president, Store Operations, Sports Authority. "Accepting MasterCard PayPass will help keep our check out lines short, so customers spend less time waiting in line when they make their purchases."
The growing popularity of contactless payments reflects a trend towards growing consumer preference for electronic payments over cash and check, both for household bills and for everyday purchases. According to MasterCard research, 77% of consumers that have a PayPass-enabled card use it as their primary form of payment. As of 1Q 2009, MasterCard had issued nearly 55 million MasterCard® PayPass cards or devices, almost double the number in circulation at the same time last year.
By accepting contactless payments, Sports Authority customers now will be able to quickly make their purchases by simply tapping their PayPass-enabled MasterCard cards or devices on PayPass-enabled readers at the check-out counters. MasterCard PayPass also eliminates the need for customers to sign receipts for purchases under $25, further speeding up the transaction.
"A growing number of merchants are accepting MasterCard PayPass because it can not only help increase customer throughput at the register, but also helps improve customer service by offering consumers more payment options that make their lives easier," said Cathleen Conforti, senior vice president, Global PayPass, MasterCard Worldwide.
About MasterCard PayPass
MasterCard PayPass is ideal for traditional cash-heavy environments where speed is essential, and has led the way in bringing contactless technology to consumer categories such as quick serve restaurants, drug stores, gas stations, vending machines, convenience stores, sports arenas, movie theaters, transit systems, taxis, parking garages and more. As of 1Q09 there are nearly 55 million PayPass cards and devices in use at more than 146,000 merchant locations worldwide, including participating BP, Best Buy, 7-Eleven, CVS, McDonald’s, Petco and many others. PayPass also is accepted at numerous professional football and baseball stadiums. For more information about MasterCard PayPass and a full list of participating merchants, visit www.mastercard.com/paypass.
About MasterCard Worldwide
MasterCard Worldwide advances global commerce by providing a critical economic link among financial institutions, businesses, cardholders and merchants worldwide. As a franchisor, processor and advisor, MasterCard develops and markets payment solutions, processes approximately 21 billion transactions each year, and provides industry-leading analysis and consulting services to financial-institution customers and merchants. Powered by the MasterCard Worldwide Network and through its family of brands, including MasterCard®, Maestro® and Cirrus®, MasterCard serves consumers and businesses in more than 210 countries and territories. For more information go to www.mastercard.com.
About The Sports Authority
Sports Authority is headquartered in Englewood, Colorado. It operates over 450 stores in 45 U.S. states under The Sports Authority. The Company's e-tailing website, located at sportsauthority.com is operated by GSI Commerce, Inc. under license and e-commerce agreements.