FamilyMart, which operates approximately 7,000 convenience stores across Japan, and NTT DoCoMo formed a strategic alliance through a capital tie-up in which DoCoMo will acquire 2,930,500 shares of common stock (approximately 3% of the retailer).
From July 10, FamilyMart convenience stores nationwide will begin accepting mobile credit via DoCoMo’s iD platform, thereby enabling users to make payments simply by waving their phones over a reader/writer. Currently, the iD platform is accepted in about 140 FamilyMart stores in Tokyo, Nagoya and Fukuoka cities.
Initially, FamilyMart will upgrade reader/writers at FamilyMart payment counters for compatibility with DoCoMo’s ToruCa information-capture service, thereby enabling customers to download coupons and useful information into their DoCoMo phones. In addition, Osaifu-Keitai compatible reader/writers will be installed in “Famiport” multimedia terminals in all FamilyMart stores. These services will become available by the end of May 2008.
http://www.ntt.co.jphttp://www.family.co.jp
