GiftCard Partners Blog

Did you know 80% of people will buy a gift card this holiday season? Yes 80%. That is a massive number. Line up 10 people, 8 of them will buy a gift card for someone this holiday season. That is up from 77% during the 2010 holiday season. The average gift card value has also gone up from $41.48 to $43.23, showing the spending growth in the gift card market. This is an incredible testament to the strength gift cards carry in the retail market. They are the most popular holiday gift, and provide a low risk, high reward scenario for both givers and receivers. They have more trophy value than straight cash, and appear more thoughtful as well. Gift cards are easy to give. Roughly 58% of consumers say they would be happy to receive gift cards. This may be due in part to the growing secondary market for gift cards where consumers can sell gift cards for cash, or other secondary markets where gift cards can be swapped. Regardless of whether the gift card is used in the primary or secondary market gift cards are in higher demand than they have ever been. So, chances are, you will be getting a gift card this holiday season, so enjoy!  
For more information on holiday gift card trends check out the Chicago Tribune article.

Perhaps you have heard about the benefits and healthcare insurance savings for companies participating in health and wellness programs. And, perhaps you understand the benefits of incentives (like gift cards) for desired healthful behavior in order to keep company premiums in check. However, if you are not up to date on the above realities; you may not be in line to include health insurance penalties for those participating in UNhealthy behaviors. What is the next trend for corporate health and wellness programs? It could be falling in the employer's court and cost the employee more out-of-pocket.

Retailers' preparation for the holiday shopping season is now in full swing, and as retailers look for last minute ways to boost their year end revenue; gift marketing becomes a very effective option.  Gift marketing uses gift cards as a device for loyalty and rewards. Giving bonus gift cards to shoppers for spending a certain amount turns a gift card from a one-transaction device into a revenue boosting loyalty device that keeps shoppers coming back. It shows appreciation and gives the essential value-added incentive that shoppers look for as they shell out their holiday gift spending.

Are you prepared for total immersion into e-tail? Facts to consider if your answer is NO:

“After years of recession-fueled frugality, more Americans are feeling the holiday gift-giving spirit in 2011”, says a recent USAA survey. Has your company’s holiday giving increased this year? Budgeting was likely done a year ago, but are you spending more for employee and customer gifts due to better times or do you fall in the “budget glue” category? Have you thought of
gift cards as budget glue? You can literally stick to the dollar of your company gift giving budget with flexible denominations, while giving the gift that people really want – choice!