Dive Brief:
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ShopRunner on Wednesday announced it will offer free two-day shipping and returns "beginning next week" for customers who complete purchases using Apple Pay on iPhones, iPads or Mac computers.
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The company announced that retailers like Tommy Hilfiger, Calvin Klein and Chico's will be among the first to offer free shipping through ShopRunner's Apple Pay partnership, according to a press release emailed to Retail Dive.
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In the coming months, the service will add more brands to its free, two-day shipping offer with Apple Pay, with Cole Haan and Alice + Olivia launching "as soon as December."
Dive Insight:
ShopRunner's announcement comes as retailers try to meet consumers' expectations for faster and free shipping. Retailers like Amazon, Target and Walmart have sped up their shipping dates, with both making a point that shoppers could access faster shipping without paying a membership fee.
It's also worth noting that ShopRunner has made multiple moves recently. The company launched its mobile marketplace, District, last November and acquired Spring around the same time. Earlier this year, UPS invested in ShopRunner, and ShopRunner acquired artificial intelligence and fraud prevention company Precognitive.
"Customers expect a seamless online shopping experience, from identity to shipping to payment; together, ShopRunner and Apple Pay can offer a uniquely delightful customer experience," ShopRunner CEO Sam Yagan said in a statement. "With this partnership, we will help our retailers integrate Apple Pay and offer two-day free shipping so they can exceed the demands of their customers and drive innovation in their businesses."
Just in time for the holidays, the Apple Pay collaboration allows ShopRunner's partner retailers to get faster shipping, a factor that consumers are considering more when making purchasing decisions. A UPS report found that 43% of customers consider delivery costs to be one of the most important factors when researching whether to purchase a product online.
