Today in the Connected Economy: Netflix Takes Page From Disney With Pop-up Store

Today in the connected economy, Netflix follows in the tradition of Disney by opening a pop-up store selling merchandise connected to its programming. Plus, Mastercard invests in African technology firm nClude to fuel financial inclusion in Egypt, while payments software firm ACI Worldwide partners with FinTech Constant.

Netflix Binges on Retail Exposure

Netflix is launching an immersive multimedia experience called Netflix at The Grove, which will debut this week in LA’s eponymous retail and entertainment district. Once inside, visitors will be presented with show-related merchandise and experiential “photo-ready vignettes featuring life-size versions of notable Netflix characters…,” the streaming video giant said.

Mastercard Backs nClude to Further Financial Inclusion in Egypt

Mastercard is investing in and working with African technology firm nClude to fuel further financial inclusion throughout Egypt and enhance the country’s FinTech ecosystem. A venture capital investment platform with a FinTech focus, nClude was created in partnership with Egyptian banks Banque Misr, National Bank of Egypt and Banque Du Caire to help support the North African nation’s digital journey.

ACI Worldwide, Constant Team to Promote Consumer Digital Engagement

Payments software firm ACI Worldwide has teamed up with Constant, a FinTech that offers self-service loan management software. The partnership will “allow lenders to increase loan volumes, streamline their collection process, drive revenue and lower cost to serve” by combining ACI Speedpay and Constant’s CX capabilities, the companies said.

How Many Lattes Does a Delta Ticket to London Cost?

Starbucks is hoping to attract travelers by allowing its loyalty program members to double dip on rewards by also earning Delta SkyMiles. The low conversion rate indicates that the partnership is more of a publicity stunt than a real benefit to customers as Starbucks is offering U.S. loyalty members just one mile per dollar spent. This rate of conversion is a fifth that of purchases from Delta, which yield five miles for every dollar spent (and even more for frequent fliers).

i2c, Bank of George Team to Launch Gaming Credit Card

Digital payment and banking technology company i2c has teamed with Bank of George to expand the bank’s gaming payments offerings with a virtual and physical credit card. Digitization of the American gaming ecosystem is projected to reach a total addressable market (TAM) of more than $400 billion, the companies said.

Ambry Hill, eComchain Enable B2B eCommerce for Aircraft Parts Sellers

Software firm Ambry Hill Technologies and eCommerce implementation company eComchain are working together to offer sellers of aircraft parts a B2B eCommerce storefront solution. The solution will be part of VistaSuite, Ambry Hill Technologies’ cloud-based business management software for the aviation aftermarket industry.