Bob’s Discount Furniture Deploys Versatile Credit’s Omni-channel Solution

Furniture World News Desk on 3/11/2020

Versatile Credit Inc. (Versatile), an omni-channel financing platform for retailers, announced its platform has been deployed by Manchester, Conn.-based Bob’s Discount Furniture across 126 stores in 20 states. Versatile’s eCommerce platform will support consumer purchases made at www.mybobs.com.

Versatile’s omni-channel platform enables Bob's Discount Furniture to provide consumers with comprehensive financing options when making purchases.  Versatile’s omni-channel solution has been integrated directly with in-store point-of-sales systems as well as mybobs.com, and it delivers a unified, consumer-friendly financing experience in store and online. Versatile worked hand-in-hand with Bob’s Discount Furniture to build an in-depth, high-level integration into their point of sales systems.

Vicki Turjan, president and chief operating officer of Versatile said, “This integration was critical to the success of the deployment. Retailers see greater success when we adapt our ecosystem to work within a business’s existing sales processes, integrating with the tools that Bob’s customers and their associates are already familiar with.”

Versatile's credit cascade ensures that the consumer can be offered a financing option regardless of their credit score. The credit cascade seamlessly guides the consumer through the various lending partners from primary lenders and secondary lenders to lease-to-own providers. The process is quick, easy and delivers consumers a near-instant decision.   Versatile’s solutions improve the number of approved applications by up to 40%, helping customers leave the store happy with the products they want.

Wells Fargo recognized the innovative nature of this opportunity and collaborated with Versatile Credit to deliver a world-class omni-channel solution. Steve Jermier, senior vice president of Wells Fargo Retail Services said, “Today’s customers are expecting retailers and financing providers to implement a frictionless shopping experience.  Customers want fast and convenient options when it comes to applying for credit. Bob’s is a long time and valued client, and this was a great opportunity to enhance the credit experience for their customers. The Versatile omni-channel platform provides retailers with a broad variety and choice of engagement points and experiences to meet the high expectations of today’s consumers.”

Technology is revolutionizing the way stores offer credit and an omni-channel approach allows retailers and lenders to leverage kiosks, laptops, tablets, websites, and more to provide financing options. Versatile’s innovative and frictionless transition to mobile technology enables retailers to send customers text messages with a direct link to begin the application process while they shop in store. These short, secure links are designed for a single use and are made to expire quickly.  Signage can inform customers of in-store credit opportunities with low-cost digital signs embedded with Quick Response (QR) codes that take customers with smartphones directly to the retailer’s financing application. Larger wall-mounted video monitors can offer the same functionality while also providing additional space to showcase brands, promotions and product demonstrations. The opportunity to create greater customer engagement and loyalty while enabling retailers to bring self-service access to their financing program throughout their stores translates to more sales and higher customer satisfaction.

Versatile’s omni-channel solution is currently in use in thousands of storefronts across North America. Since 2007, Versatile has facilitated more than $29 billion in approved retail credit including more than $5 billion in 2019.

About Versatile Credit: Privately held Versatile Credit offers an ecosystem of leading lending partners, proprietary software and services, beautifully designed hardware, and engaging visual content. This results in an exceptional experience for customers that drives more credit applications, more approvals and more sales for retailers. For more information about Versatile Credit, visit Versatilecredit.com.