SmartGifty Editorial Team

The Science of Scent: How Smells Boost Sales — and Loyalty

The Science of Scent: How Smells Boost Sales — and Loyalty

When it comes to boosting sales, most brands focus on what people see: visuals, logos, displays. But science tells us we may be missing the most powerful influence of all — scent. Research has shown that scent can increase purchase intent by 80%, extend dwell time, and make customers rate the store more positively — even if nothing else …

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Gift card management

Summer shopping & tourism: How retailers can capitalize on holiday gift cards

Summer is a peak season for travel, dining, and shopping. As tourists explore new destinations, they seek convenient ways to spend money—and gift cards provide the perfect solution. From shopping centers to restaurants and entertainment venues, digital gift cards can drive revenue while offering a seamless customer experience. Why gift cards are perfect for summer …

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Z Centar

Z Centar

Z Centar, one of Zagreb’s most vibrant shopping destinations, has joined the SmartGifty network by launching their own digital gift card system, powered by our technology and supported by a sleek self-service kiosk on-site. In an age where convenience drives loyalty, Z Centar’s new gift card offers shoppers a fast, flexible, and intuitive way to give. Whether it’s a …

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Gift card management

Shopping in the Most Unlikely Places: Malls at the Edge of the World

Imagine shopping for sneakers… in the Arctic. Or grabbing a coffee in a mall surrounded by dense jungle. It might sound like something out of a movie, but it’s very much real. Take Longyearbyen, Norway — one of the world’s northernmost towns. Here, you’ll find a shopping center that serves a small community surrounded by polar …

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Gift card management

The power of loyalty programs: How retailers can keep customers engaged

Loyalty programs are no longer a nice-to-have; they’re a must-have. In a competitive retail landscape, customer retention is just as important as acquisition. But how can retailers ensure their loyalty programs actually work? Let’s break it down. Why loyalty programs matter Statistics show that 75% of consumers prefer companies that offer rewards. With rising customer …

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Shopping malls Balkans

Why the Balkans are the next big opportunity for premium outlet growth — and what that means for gift cards

Across Europe, the outlet retail industry has become a key player in experiential shopping — blending strong brand identities with tourism-driven foot traffic and high-performing sales densities. Yet, a major blind spot remains: the Balkans. At the 2025 Repex Conference in Croatia, new research made by Kenn Gunn revealed a surprising gap in the market. …

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Sustainabilty

Earth day & sustainability: The rise of eco-friendly gift cards

As Earth Day approaches on April 22, sustainability is at the forefront of consumer and business priorities. More than ever, shoppers want brands that align with their values, and retailers must adapt by offering environmentally friendly options. One simple but impactful shift? Moving from plastic to digital gift cards. Why sustainability in retail matters Consumers …

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Shopping center

Arena Centar

A Seamless Transition to a Modern Gift Card Solution The Challenge Arena Centar Zagreb, one of the largest shopping centers in Croatia, was using an outdated gift card system based on a banking infrastructure. This setup came with high costs, lacked real-time data, and did not support the issuance of e-gift cards—an increasingly important feature …

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Summer sale

Spring shopping trends: How gift cards drive seasonal sales

As winter fades and temperatures rise, consumer shopping habits shift. Spring brings fresh opportunities for retailers to boost sales, and digital gift cards are an underrated tool to capitalize on seasonal trends. With Easter, Mother’s Day, and the general urge to refresh wardrobes and homes, now is the time to make gift cards a key …

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