GiftCard Partners Blog

The first trulyomnichannel auto repair system is upon us as AutoZone partners with Openbay. The partnership, launching this month, will allow consumers (beginning in the Boston area) to comparison shop service and maintenance packages with local repair shops for their specific vehicles. The service combines AutoZone store parts with Openbay's online marketplace for auto repair. Learn more details about the partnership on Openbay's blog. The partnership enables true omnichannel retailing from both parties, combining the online comparison shopping enabled by Openbay and the in-store experience consumers have come to know and depend on for both parts and service from AutoZone.

CVS Health and Target Corporation recently entered into a definitive agreement for CVS Health to acquire Target’s pharmacy and clinic businesses. CVS Health is set to acquire Target’s more than 1,660 pharmacies across 47 states and operate them through a store-within-a-store format, branded as CVS/pharmacy. Target’s nearly 80 clinic locations will be rebranded as MinuteClinic, while CVS Health will open 20 new clinics in Target stores within 3 years of the acquisition being completed. These new clinics will be part of CVS Health’s overall plan to operate 1,500 clinics by 2017. CVS Health and Target plan to develop five to ten small, flexible format stores over a 2-year period as well, branded as TargetExpress and will include a CVS/pharmacy. This relationship will bring together two of the top retailers in the U.S. The complementary strengths, brands, and cultures will enhance the health care experience for Target shoppers while expanding CVS Health’s retail presence in new markets. This will allow CVS Health to reach more patients, and with their proven success of growing its business, the relationship is expected to benefit Target’s long-term traffic and sales growth. Target will center on continuing to deliver products and experiences to help guests eat well, be active, and find natural and clean label products. Read more about this exciting acquisition from the CVS Health Newsroom!

You may not have known, but part of Whole Food Market’s mission includes a promise towards the humane treatment of animals and they are winning accolades for their animal welfare practices. The company has been recognized with both the Good Sow Commendation and the Global Good Egg Award from Compassion in World Farming.

The latest big news from Whole Foods Market isn’t just the fact that they set another sales record in the second quarter, the grocery chain also just announced that they are launching a new store concept that is specifically targeted to the Millennial shopper. The company says it is building a team that plans to focus exclusively on this new concept and is currently negotiating leases. Whole Foods Market plans to begin opening stores next year.

As contactless payments rise, here are the 3 main factors driving retailers to adapt the new technology and eventually help drive consumer adoption.