# Pandemic-Prompted Financial Initiatives Mastercard Helps Customers Find Local Stores Amid COVID-19 By Grace Mahas | Published 2020-07-13 | Business Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/shopopeningscom References: [chainstoreage](https://chainstoreage.com/mastercard-links-customers-reopened-stores-wake-covid-19) & [ShopOpenings](http://www.ShopOpenings.com) [Mastercard](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/crypto-source), the American multinational financial services provider, recently announced a new online search tool that will help consumers confirm which businesses remain open amid the "new normal" of COVID-19. The platform, ShopOpenings.com is available to both Canadian and U.S. users and identifies locations that accept contactless payments. Alongside the new platform, Mastercard also debuted a new global initiative, dubbed Digital Acceleration for Small Business that offers resources and insights to brands looking to build an online presence. The program features partners including Spotify, [BigCommerce](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bigcommerce), and [Hello Alice](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/scarborough-town-centre), among others. Both programs are part of Mastercard's wider Recovery Insights program that seeks to support global businesses and governments regain economic security and safety amid the devasting COVID-19 pandemic. Image Credit: Shutterstock, Mastercard ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 2.5/10 - Popularity: 19% | Activity: 46% | Freshness: 9% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Business](https://www.trendhunter.com/business) > [Retail](https://www.trendhunter.com/retail) ## Key Themes ### Why This Trend Is Growing - **Contactless Payment Adoption:** The pandemic has accelerated the adoption of contactless payments, presenting an opportunity for companies to invest in and improve contactless payment technology. - **Digital Transformation for Small Businesses:** The pandemic has highlighted the importance of digital transformation for small businesses, providing opportunities for companies to offer tools and resources to help small businesses succeed online. - **Local Store Support Platforms:** The pandemic has created a need for platforms that support local businesses, presenting an opportunity for companies to create similar platforms that connect consumers with local businesses in need of support. ### Industries Being Reshaped - **Financial Services:** Financial services companies like Mastercard can develop innovative digital tools and support programs to help their clients navigate the challenges of the pandemic and beyond. - **E-commerce:** E-commerce platforms like BigCommerce can partner with financial services companies to offer resources and insights to small businesses looking to build an online presence and reach a wider customer base. - **Local Business Support:** Local business support initiatives like ShopOpenings.com can encourage collaboration between businesses, government agencies, and financial services companies to boost economic recovery and ensure the survival of small businesses. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Credit Card-Backed Crypto Programs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/crypto-source.md) - [Digital Commercial Payment Apps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mastercard-3.md) - [Tactile Payment Cards](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mastercards-touch-card.md) - [Seamless Biometric Payment Tools](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mastercard-1.md) - [Gen Z-Targeting TikTok Tools](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/shopsmall-accelerator.md) - [Personalized Digital Payment Platforms](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mastercard-one-credential.md) - [In-App Subscription-Canceling Features](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/inapp-subscriptioncanceling.md) - [Community-Centric E-Commerce Initiatives](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/accessible-digital-tools.md) - [Morocco-Based Card Programs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/citibank.md)