eGift Cards continue to be a source of growth for retailers according to a survey of CashStar’s retailer network prior to eTail West that will be held this week in Palm Desert, Calif. The survey also found that of those retailers that have finished planning, 70 percent will expand their mobile shopping capabilities and 75 percent will invest more of their marketing budgets to promote eGifts in 2012.
“The digital age is booming. Smartphone adoption by consumers is overwhelming and retailers are meeting these trends by investing in mobile capabilities and digital gifting,” said David Stone, CEO of CashStar. “Gift cards have reached more than $100 billion in annual sales in the US, and this market is going digital as the survey reflects.”
Other key findings of the survey include:
eGifts a bright spot this holiday season – Despite the difficult economy, nearly 80 percent of those retailers surveyed who had eGifting programs for the holidays experienced growth in 2011.
Interest in social marketing continues growth – Nearly a third of those surveyed indicated they will expand their social marketing this year.
Top eGift Holidays – The survey found the three top eGifting holidays are:
1) Christmas
2) Mother’s Day
3) Father’s Day
The survey was conducted in February 2012 from a sample of the more than 250 retail brands in CashStar’s network.
To arrange either a meeting at eTail West or a call with CashStar to discuss how digital gifting and eGift Cards are opening up new and incremental revenue channels for retailers, please contact Pauline Louie at Schwartz MSL at 781-684-0770 or email [email protected].
About CashStar, Inc.
CashStar is the preferred digital gifting and incentives partner for retailers nationwide. These retail brands leverage CashStar to easily and securely integrate digital gifting strategies to increase sales and customer loyalty. CashStar offers consumers an unmatched personalized eGift experience via email, mobile and social channels. It is the only company to successfully combine an on-demand B2C and B2B digital gifting and incentives platform with innovative multichannel marketing strategies. More than 250 brands are successfully partnering with CashStar to drive incremental sales, increase retention and boost profitability including Best Buy, Chili's Grill & Bar, CVS/pharmacy, Gap, Pottery Barn, QVC, Staples, Starbucks, T.G.I. Friday’s, The Home Depot, and Williams-Sonoma. To learn more about how CashStar is constantly innovating the way businesses deliver personalized gifting experiences to consumers and partners in the digital world, please visit www.cashstar.com or e-mail [email protected].