Apple Pay Goes to Small-Town Market

It’s not just the major retailers getting on board with Apple Pay.

Newport Avenue Market, a family-owned store in Bend, Oregon, announced it has recently started accepting Apple Pay, according to the area’s local news site MyCentralOregon. The shop joins the small group of independently-owned stores that offer the service.

“We’re always trying to keep up with the latest technology trends, think of innovative ways to keep our customers happy, and maintain that great shopping experience that Newport Avenue Market offers,” Lauren G.R. Johnson, COO of Newport Avenue Market, said in an interview. “With the constant hustle and bustle of our everyday lives, Apple Pay offers shoppers a quick and easy way to pay, with peace of mind.”

While most small retailers aren’t on the cutting edge of technology, Newport Avenue Market said it has spent $2.5 million dollars toward technologies that can help “reduce its carbon footprint.” The store also aims to keep pace with advancing technologies offered for POS terminals to better serve its customers.

While not many independent stores have adopted Apple Pay, Apple has specifically targeted smaller businesses in its marketing efforts, ensuring that it’s not just going after the big-box stores. It fact, Apple even has a phone support line to assist merchants through the Apple Pay adoption process.