Gift and Prepay Card Industry News

The NRF 2008 Holiday Consumer Intentions and Actions Survey results have recently been reported. According to the study, 54.9 percent of consumers would like to receive a gift card this holiday season and gift cards will be the most requested gift this year. The study results reported the main reasons that shoppers purchase gift cards are to allow the recipient to select their own gift (25.4%) and that they are easier and faster to buy than traditional gifts (12.6%). A reported 22.7% stated that they would be less likely to buy gift cards because they feel the cards are impersonal. The NRF also published several gift card shopping tips for consumers this holiday season.
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Starbucks CEO, Howard Shultz, recently discussed his company’s plan to get through the tough economic environment. The first key to their strategy is the Starbucks Gold Card which will reward Starbucks’ best customers with 10% off most purchases. The card will be available nationwide on November 4th. In addition, Starbucks offers discounted gift cards in Costco stores: five $20 cards for $80. They are also offering many holiday gifts at lower prices than they did last year. Analyst David Parker is quoted to say, “The trick for Starbucks is to remain a premium brand but stay within reach of most consumers.” http://www.usatoday.com/money/industries/food/2008-10-12-starbucks-gold-card_N.htm

Arcadia Group Gift Cards on Gift Card Centre Site The Gift Card Centre
 
(www.giftcardcentre.co.uk) has announced the addition of Arcardia Group gift cards to its offerings of online electronic gift vouchers... Arcadia Group includes Miss Selfridge, TopShop, Wallis and several other popular brands. Gift Card Centre will now offer both the All-in-One Arcadia Group card, which is valid at any Arcadia Group Store, and brand-specific cards for Burton, Dorothy Perkins, Evens and Miss Selfridge. Through the Gift Card Centre website, a customer selects a gift card, chooses a value from 10 to 300 GBP, chooses a gift bag and then the present is sent directly to the recipient.

Full Article: http://www.prweb.com/releases/2008/09/prweb1385244.htm