By Matilda Noble June 11, 2025
Scranton, Pennsylvania, is a city known for its rich heritage, historic architecture, and growing local business scene. While its industrial past remains a point of pride, the city is now just as defined by its college campuses, cultural landmarks, and the visitors they attract. Between the steady flow of tourists exploring Steamtown and university students shopping, dining, and living downtown, Scranton businesses have a unique opportunity to grow through thoughtful adaptation.
The blend of transient and seasonal visitors adds complexity to everyday commerce. Tourists come with expectations of seamless service and familiarity, while students often bring modern preferences for fast, digital-first interactions. To keep up with this evolving customer base, local merchants must evolve as well. That means updating payment systems, offering multiple payment options, and designing experiences that serve both hometown regulars and short-term guests.
Scranton’s Visitors Are Changing the Game
Scranton is no longer just a hometown shopping destination. It is also a weekend getaway for tourists visiting historical sites, a stop for travelers heading through Northeastern Pennsylvania, and a college town hosting thousands of students across institutions like the University of Scranton, Marywood University, and Lackawanna College.
Tourists usually come ready to spend on local food, attractions, and souvenirs. They often rely on mobile banking apps, credit cards, or tap-to-pay options. These visitors are looking for convenience and speed when making purchases. They want experiences that mirror what they are used to back home or abroad.
Students, faculty, and visiting families form another key demographic. College campuses are full of digital natives who favor online ordering, mobile payment, and contactless service. They are less likely to carry cash and more likely to skip a business that does not accept cards or mobile wallets.
For Scranton merchants, understanding this shift in customer behavior is the first step. These groups do not replace local shoppers, but they add new layers of expectation. To stay competitive and welcoming, businesses must adjust their merchant services to meet a broader range of needs.
The Importance of Accepting Modern Payment Methods
Credit and debit cards are now the baseline, not the bonus. Yet many small businesses across smaller cities like Scranton still operate with limited payment acceptance. Not having updated card terminals or failing to accept mobile wallets such as Apple Pay or Google Pay can drive both tourists and students away.
To keep transactions simple and secure, businesses should invest in EMV-compliant card readers that support chip, tap, and swipe functionality. These devices help prevent fraud and make checkout faster. They also give customers the option to pay the way they prefer, whether by chip, tap-to-pay card, or digital wallet.
Contactless payments are especially popular among younger consumers and travelers who are wary of handing over physical cards. A smooth, touch-free experience reflects well on the business and supports health-conscious shoppers.
Restaurants and food vendors should also consider integrating with platforms that offer mobile ordering and pay-ahead features. This is particularly important for campus-side eateries, where the lunch rush can mean dozens of students placing orders at once.
Adapting for Multilingual and International Visitors
Scranton attracts international students and tourists year-round. This creates the need for more inclusive and multilingual support in both physical and digital customer experiences. Simple adaptations such as multilingual instructions on payment terminals, translated menus, or signage can go a long way in improving guest comfort.
When it comes to merchant services, this also means accepting cards issued by international banks, processing foreign transactions smoothly, and avoiding errors that make tourists hesitate at the counter. Payment terminals that automatically detect currency types or that support international card schemes create a smoother checkout process for non-local visitors.
This kind of attention to detail is especially beneficial for businesses located near major attractions or those catering to students from abroad. A language barrier or a declined payment can easily turn a sale into a missed opportunity if a merchant is not prepared.
Supporting Campus Life with Flexible Merchant Solutions
University campuses are not just centers of learning. They are also vibrant communities with regular activity, events, and commerce. Many Scranton students live off-campus or explore nearby businesses for everyday needs. To serve this group effectively, merchants need to offer flexibility and consistency in how they accept payments and interact with customers.
Local shops and cafes near university campuses should consider adding student-focused promotions, digital loyalty programs, or partnerships with campus groups. For example, mobile punch cards or text-based promotions can encourage students to return weekly.
Moreover, merchants should be equipped to accept both recurring payments and one-time transactions through mobile platforms. Subscription-based services, such as meal plans or laundry pickups, are growing in popularity and require reliable, secure payment systems.
If a business can position itself as student-friendly, with fast service, modern checkout options, and rewards for frequent visits, it will not only earn more from current students but also build long-term loyalty that can last beyond graduation.
Handling Seasonal Spikes and Tourist Events
Scranton’s seasonal calendar includes parades, art walks, food festivals, and cultural celebrations that bring in hundreds or even thousands of visitors. During these events, businesses often experience a spike in foot traffic. While this presents a big revenue opportunity, it also increases pressure on payment systems.
Mobile and temporary terminals can help retailers or vendors manage overflow during high-traffic times. Having extra card readers, portable tablets, or tap-enabled devices on hand ensures faster checkouts and shorter lines. These small changes can lead to significantly higher event-day revenue.
For restaurants and vendors operating at festivals or outdoor markets, mobile merchant services are a necessity. Customers are often on the move and will choose the most efficient option. Accepting mobile pay, integrating with online order-ahead systems, and even offering QR code menus can improve the guest experience while easing staff workload.
Preparing for tourist spikes also means analyzing past sales patterns to predict staffing and inventory needs. Some payment platforms offer reporting tools that help business owners understand what days or events lead to the most revenue. These insights are valuable when preparing for the next season.
Enhancing Online Presence and E-Commerce Integration
Even brick-and-mortar businesses in Scranton must now think digitally. Tourists often search for nearby shops or restaurants online before deciding where to visit. Students browse menus and store hours on their phones. If your business is not visible or lacks online payment options, it may not make the short list.
Your merchant services should include an integrated e-commerce platform or at least a simple online ordering tool. Whether it’s a web store, a reservation system, or a mobile menu, enabling online interactions makes your business more accessible to people who are planning their visits ahead of time.
For physical retailers, offering online sales with in-store pickup allows for hybrid shopping experiences. A student can reserve an item online and pick it up on the way to class. A tourist can browse souvenirs during their stay and order more once they return home.
Consistency between in-store and online pricing, promotions, and branding is also important. Unified commerce not only enhances customer trust but also improves operational efficiency.
Investing in Customer Service Through Technology
Better merchant services are not just about accepting payments. They are about making the entire buying process easier, friendlier, and more reliable. Good customer service, backed by technology, can turn one-time visitors into long-term supporters.
Simple tools such as digital receipts, SMS alerts, and customer feedback systems help create a professional and responsive atmosphere. When a transaction goes smoothly and questions are answered quickly, customers are more likely to recommend your business to others.
Tourists who have positive experiences may leave reviews or share your store online. Students who enjoy using your mobile app or get quick help through a chatbot may come back weekly.
Many modern merchant service platforms include customer management tools, communication features, and built-in surveys. These systems help businesses maintain relationships even after the sale is done.
Collaborating With Local Institutions and Tourism Networks
One of the biggest advantages Scranton merchants have is their connection to the community. Local colleges and tourism organizations can be valuable partners in building stronger customer experiences.
Businesses can collaborate with the University of Scranton or Marywood University to create student discount programs or accept campus-linked payment solutions. These relationships help increase visibility and establish a student-friendly reputation.
Tourism networks can also help small businesses get featured in local visitor guides, maps, and travel apps. Participating in downtown events, co-sponsoring programs, or joining local marketing campaigns can expand your reach without large advertising budgets.
By aligning with local institutions, businesses become part of the larger visitor journey. Instead of being a random stop, they become a recommended destination.
Conclusion
Scranton’s local economy is benefiting from a growing mix of tourists, students, and families who bring energy, ideas, and spending power to the city. For area restaurants and shops, this presents a valuable opportunity to thrive—if they are willing to adapt. Upgrading your merchant services is not just about technology. It is about meeting your customers where they are, offering them fast and familiar payment options, and creating experiences that reflect what modern consumers expect. From contactless payments and mobile checkout to student incentives and online integration, the steps you take today will shape your ability to serve tomorrow’s visitors. By understanding your customers and aligning with the pace of Scranton’s growth, your business can become a go-to destination in a city that is quickly becoming a go-to destination itself.