Contactless Tech and e-gifts the new norm for Saudi shoppers amid Coronavirus Pandemic
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Sulaiman
- . May 15, 2020
- . Update: November 7, 2020 8:17 am
Coronavirus pandemic has led to mighty changes in the lifestyle industry in Saudi, the most highlighted being the shopping style among people in Saudi Arabia.
A study by Mastercard, financial servicing giant, the coronavirus impact has seen the shoppers adapting to contactless technology for paying as a safer option while preventing the spread of coronavirus infection. Furthermore, the pandemic outbreak has also resulted in spike of electronic gifts options among Saudi shoppers, the study indicated.
The Mastercard survey suggested that 65% of the Saudi shoppers preferred contactless technology and cashless transactions as a safer way owing to the cleanliness and hygiene maintained while purchasing on a daily basis.
Approximately 81% of these shoppers said that even after the pandemic gets over, they would continue using the contactless technology to stay on safe side and also due to the flexibility it offers.
The shoppers in the Kingdom have transitioned to online shopping amid the COVID-19 pandemic crisis.
The General Manager of Mastercard in Saudi Arabia and Bahrain, J.K. Khalil said, “The Saudi Arabian Monetary Authority’s decision to increase card payment limits, and its instruction that all local bank transfers be free of charge, show strong commitment to the local economy which Mastercard fully supports.”
As the people are staying at home while following social distancing and online shopping being the new norm, a new trend of consumers preferring e-gift cards is also on rise. Flexible, easy and safe to buy option of e-gift cards is the new favorite of consumers. As people are celebrating the holy month of Ramadan and the upcoming Islamic festival of Eid Al-Fitr, e-gift cards are great option for presents exchanging with friends and families.
COVID-19 pandemic has sped up the transition from physical gifting to electronic voucher options. There has also been a surge in e-gift cards being used for humanitarian purposes, a report suggested.YouGotaGift, a digital gift card company, has launched a Care Card with some big brands covering essentials like medicine, groceries, mobile recharge and food delivery.
The company has also started Ramadan Card for letting people help those in need by conveniently donating essentials and likewise. This was launched to commemorate the spirit of giving during the holy month of Ramadan.
Related News: COVID Lockdown: Saudi Arabia works to tide over economic challenge from the pandemic
