What: Bealls Inc. now accepts over 99 cryptocurrencies for in-store payments through a partnership with Flexa, marking its 110th anniversary.

Why it is important: Accepting cryptocurrencies reflects a broader shift in retail toward innovative, seamless payment experiences, aligning with global trends in retail.

Bealls Inc., a 110-year-old department store chain operating more than 660 stores across 22 U.S. states, has begun accepting cryptocurrency payments in partnership with Flexa. This integration allows customers to pay with over 99 cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin, Ethereum, and stablecoins like USDC, using more than 300 wallet apps. The move positions Bealls as the first national retailer in the U.S. to enable crypto payments across all its locations, reinforcing its commitment to innovation and customer service. The adoption of Flexa’s digital payment infrastructure ensures fast, flexible, and secure transactions, both in-store and via mobile. This strategic decision coincides with Bealls’ 110th anniversary, highlighting the company’s ongoing efforts to modernize and remain relevant in a rapidly evolving retail landscape. By embracing digital currencies, Bealls aims to attract tech-savvy consumers and prepare for the future of commerce, demonstrating how legacy retailers can leverage technology to sustain their market presence and appeal to new generations. (Word count: 167)

IADS Notes: Bealls Inc.’s move to accept cryptocurrency payments through Flexa mirrors recent innovations in the department store sector, as seen when Printemps became Europe’s first department store to accept cryptocurrencies in partnership with Binance Pay and Lyzi (WWD, November 2024). This trend is further analyzed in BCG’s Global Payments Report, which noted the rapid adoption of stablecoins and digital currencies by major retailers and department stores, emphasizing near-zero transaction fees and new payment models (BCG, September 2025). The transformative impact of stablecoins on retail payments, including lower fees and increased accessibility, was also highlighted in “How stablecoins will eat payments, and what happens next” (a16z, January 2025). The evolution of payment terminals and the rise of alternative payment methods, including cryptocurrencies, were explored in “Smart, Secure, Seamless: Payment Methods 2025” (Journal du Net, January 2025). Additionally, department stores have used milestone anniversaries to blend heritage with innovation, as demonstrated by Liberty London’s 150th anniversary (Fashion United, October 2025) and Galeries Lafayette’s 130th anniversary (Paris Select Book, November 2024), reinforcing their relevance for new generations of customers.

110-year-old U.S. retailer chain accepts crypto