On September 29, 2020, Shopify announced that it would gradually launch a variety of new features, including POS and new payment methods, in response to changes in consumer behavior unique to Japan caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. This article summarizes the most important information for those running Shopify stores, based on the Shopify press release.
Shopify POS, which connects brick-and-mortar stores with online stores, now available in Japan
Shopify POS is a function that uses a POS (Point of Sale) app to link physical stores and pop-up shops with online stores, enabling centralized management of inventory and sales. Product searches, order processing, payment collection, receipt printing, and all of this control can be done on a mobile device such as a tablet. The latest Shopify POS, which was launched globally in May 2020, will now be fully available in Japan. In addition, businesses that have physical stores and use Shopify POS will be able to use a points app that can be linked to POS . It can be introduced to online and physical stores, and a points system in a format familiar in Japan that increases loyalty among existing customers can be used.
Shopify Payments now supports JCB card payments
Shopify Payments will now add JCB, a card payment card used by over 100 million members in Japan and which has built and maintains one of the largest merchant networks in the country. Many businesses have been waiting for JCB to be added, which will directly lead to improved convenience for customers. With the resolution of the lack of support for JCB, which was one of the barriers to operating a Shopify store in Japan, we are sure to see an even greater expansion of Japanese businesses into Shopify.
PayPay is now available!
By introducing the online payment service of SB Payment Service Corp. , it will be possible to use "PayPay" as one of the new payment methods at online shops. In addition, by introducing this payment service, it will also be possible to use "Rakuten Pay".
New service that enables migration from existing sites to Shopify stores
Overseas, migration tools from multiple systems to Shopify have been offered, but now in Japan, a migration tool (app) from BASE to Shopify has been made available. Using this tool, you can easily migrate product information, category information, and order information from the BASE site, eliminating the need for technical knowledge or additional resources and reducing the hassle of switching platforms.
Shopify strengthens its features and services to help businesses grow
- Businesses that partner with the fulfillment service "Fulfillment by ZOZO" will be able to seamlessly manage orders, inventory, and shipping on "ZOZOTOWN" and their own e-commerce sites. In addition, existing ZOZOTOWN store operators can expect to be able to build their online stores more quickly with centralized management of inventory and shipping when building their online stores with Shopify.
- Supports multiple overseas domains It will be possible to have multiple subdomains based on region or country, making it possible for businesses selling across borders to create shops that are more conducive to purchases.
- Scratch Photos App We have released an app on the App Store and Google Play that uses cutting-edge AI technology to remove the background of product images with just one tap.
- The theme editor, which allows you to edit online store templates, has been made faster, allowing you to build your store more smoothly. Editing from mobile devices has also been improved.
The press release from Shopify also announced the provision of a human resource development program for e-commerce construction and operation, the opening of courses on building online stores, etc. Please see the press release for details.
Shopify Press Release
[Shopify, which is growing rapidly by supporting DX (digital transformation), has begun offering a variety of new features that can be used by individuals and small and medium-sized businesses]
