The latest update to Indian digital wallet app MobiKwik brings a new hyperlocal aspect: "Explore Nearby." MobiKwik is one of the leading independent mobile payments networks in India, connecting 30 million users with 50,000 retailers.
This new feature enables discovery of neighborhood stores, restaurants, cafes, et al that accept digital payments. Right away, more than 10,000 MobiKwik partner retail stores — merchants such as Big Bazaar, Barista, Domino's Pizza, WHSmith India, Archies, Sagar Ratna, and more — are now visible to the users on the Explore Nearby tab. Potential shoppers can also view existing offers at these outlets and pay via MobiKwik to redeem it.
MobiKwik users can also use Explore Nearby to locate the nearest cash-loading point for topping up their wallet balance, since many of MobiKwik's offline retail partners (such WHSmith India and ICICI Bank) also assist the users to top up their wallet using hard cash.
The map-based Explore Nearby interface is the first implementation of online-to-offline (O2O) strategy by any mobile wallet in India as the company continues to move towards a more cashless ecosystem. MobiKwik is one of my frequently used apps/service, since they offer some unique advantages over other mobile wallets in India. Give it a whirl, and let us know how you like it.
