Pick n Pay has partnered with Webtickets, South Africa’s market leader in integrated online ticketing solutions, as its exclusive retail ticketing outlet. And, in a first for South African retailers, customers are now able to order tickets for any Webtickets event online or via their mobile device – and pay for them in store at any Pick n Pay nationwide.

This added flexibility means customers will be able pay for and collect tickets to events and shows 24 hours a day through Pick n Pay Express Stores – and they do not need to have a credit card or even a bank account to do so, opening the service up to millions of South Africans who do not have access to credit facilities or online banking.

According to Christy Turner, Co-Founder of Webtickets, the company has been exploring an effective retail distribution network for some time to augment their audience reach and at the same time offer their customers increased convenience, innovation and an improved service offering. “We are extremely excited to be partnering with a forward-thinking retail giant such as Pick n Pay. There has been excellent synchronicity between our two companies in getting this project off the ground so seamlessly which bodes well for the future innovations we have planned,” he says.

Richard van Rensburg, Deputy CEO of Pick n Pay says the partnership with Webtickets is another way that Pick n Pay can offer customers even more convenience and choice by adding to the list of additional services available at Pick n Pay stores. “Pick n Pay has long been the consumer’s champion. Earlier this year we made in-store banking possible to millions of unbanked South Africans and we also made it possible to pay for flights in-store. Now, with this latest partnership with Webtickets we are offering convenient and unrestricted access for customers to a world of events and entertainment,” he says.

Van Rensburg says in the near future, customers will be also be able to book and pay for tickets at the new Pick n Pay Money Counters in select stores. The first Money Counter went live at the Brackenfell Pick n Pay store on 23 October and two additional Money counters have launched at stores in Cavendish Square and the V&A Waterfront, which offer the same functionality.

“One of the most exciting innovations is the ability for Webtickets and Pick n Pay customers to load tickets directly onto their smart shopper cards, which can then be scanned to gain access at the venue. Going forward, customers will also be able to redeem smart shopper points for tickets, which is another excellent benefit for shoppers. The turnaround time to get this project into pilot phase has been phenomenal,” says Turner.

For venue operators and event organisers, the extended reach to consumers countrywide as well as the increased marketing exposure for their events and attractions will add immense value. Advertising of events will be extended to Pick n Pay’s above the line advertising and marketing campaigns and, in addition, increased web traffic from the PnP site to Webtickets, and vice versa, will enable both brands to leverage their service offering. PnP’s smart shopper programme offers a unique opportunity for event organisers to market their ticket sales. Smart shoppers will benefit from early access to tickets for many popular events.

Webtickets book online, pay in-store went live and is available at any of the close to 792 PnP stores countrywide on Monday 3rd November 2014. “This is a truly exciting innovation in ticket sales in South Africa and we look forward to the response from our customers,” says Van Rensburg.

- See more at: http://paymentsafrika.com/payment-news/online-payments/pick-n-pay-partners-with-webtickets/#sthash.6vxY2PPI.dpuf