Partnered with UnionPay International, the u·plan program becomes available for the first time in both North
and South America
MONTREAL, March 23, 2018 /CNW Telbec/
- Birks, Canada's leading luxury fine jewelry brand since 1879 has launched
the pilot program u·plan in Canada this month. Birks is the first merchant to join the u·plan
program in both North and South America, which allows Chinese travelers to download QR Codes
containing Birks promotions to their mobile devices.
U·plan is the world's first open cross-border marketing platform that provides services in the fields of finance, travel and
retail. Inspired by new technologies such as Geo-fencing, u·plan focuses on accurate marketing and instant discounts for
cross-border consumption, permitting cardholders user friendly and upgrading capabilities.
"It is of great significance to the Birks brand to launch u·plan said Jean-Christophe Bédos, President and Chief Executive
Officer of Birks Group. "As an Internationally growing brand, we believe that u·plan will benefit our Chinese customers as we
look to align ourselves with these technical capabilities while achieving our expanding objectives."
Cardholders will have the ability to utilize u·plan by accessing the exclusive QR code gift certificate coupon in the mobile
apps of UnionPay International and Chinese issuing banks such as Bank of China and China Merchant
Bank. Alternatively, cardholders can receive the gift certificate coupons that could be used at the destination promoted
by the apps of UnionPay International's partner travel agencies at the time of booking airlines or hotels. A reminder to
cardholders of these discount coupons will also appear when they are in the vicinity of any Birks location.
Birks looks forward to aligning issuers, acquirers, travel agencies and merchants into the same industry chain with the
ultimate focus of making the shopping experience more user-friendly in Canada.
About Birks Group Inc.
The Birks story began four centuries ago in Sheffield, England. The brand truly came
to life in 1879 when Henry Birks opened a jewellery boutique in the heart of Montreal, Canada. What began as one man's dream became an iconic Canadian brand that is now distributed
internationally. Birks collections are inspired by Canadian nature and the brand's rich heritage, offering classic styles with an
edgy flair. The Company operates 28 stores under the Birks brand in most major metropolitan markets in Canada. In addition, Birks fine jewellery collections are available through select Mappin & Webb and
Goldsmiths locations in the UK, in Mayors stores in the US and at select jewellery retailers across North America. Visit www.birks.com for
more information.
SOURCE Birks Group Inc.
View original content with multimedia: http://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/archive/March2018/23/c7266.html