Fareway Now Accepting PayPal, Venmo as Payment In-Store

Through a partnership with Blackhawk Network, Fareway customers can now use PayPal and Venmo to pay for in-store purchases at the grocer’s 129 store locations.

“This new technology expands on Fareway’s commitment to provide the best in customer service, with personalized and efficient options for our customers,” said Mike McCormick, chief retail officer for Boone, Iowa.-based Fareway. “With the rise in demand for mobile payments and digital options, we’re confident that our partnership with Blackhawk and PayPal will be positive for both customers and our company.”

To pay with PayPal or Venmo, customers simply open the respective mobile apps, click the "Scan" button and select the 'show to pay' option. PayPal customers will be able to pay using stored debit or credit cards, bank accounts, PayPal balance or PayPal Credit, and Venmo customers can pay using their stored debit or credit cards, bank account, Venmo balance or Venmo Credit Card for eligible customers.

Research from Blackhawk Network’s Global Digital Payments study shows digital wallet and payments are driving an increase in shopper loyalty, with 63% of respondents reporting they are more likely to shop at a retailer if they accept the digital payments they use, and 73% of respondents saying they want to be able to pay the same way they pay online and in-store.

“As mobile payment adoption continues to climb, it’s become increasingly important for retailers to meet the demands of a changing consumer, helping to drive loyalty and growth,” said Brett Narlinger, head of global commerce for branded payment solutions Blackhawk Network, which also has headquarters in Pleasanton. “Helping our partners like Fareway to continue to grow and expand their digital payment capabilities is a core focus for Blackhawk.”

Blackhawk has also partnered with Giant Eagle on offering PayPal and Venmo payment options. And according to Blackhawk’s research, PayPal is the No. 1 digital payment tool shoppers intend to use in 2021, with 60% of surveyed digital payment users planning to continue using PayPal once shopping returns to pre-pandemic levels.