General

Think your local mall is weird? Think again. Around the world, shopping centers are pushing the boundaries of what “retail” means — and getting wildly creative in the process. In Dubai, you can ski indoors at the Mall of the Emirates — yes, real snow in the desert. In Tokyo, there’s a mall with a full-on replica of …

Malls Are Getting Weirder — And That’s the Point Read More »

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 …

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

Have you ever shopped in two countries — without even leaving the building? Welcome to Eurode Mall, a hidden gem tucked right on the border between Germany and the Netherlands. This small but fascinating shopping and office center offers one of Europe’s most unique retail experiences. Located between the German town of Herzogenrath and the Dutch town of Kerkrade, the mall quite …

Shopping Across Borders: The Curious Case of Eurode Mall Read More »

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 …

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

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. …

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

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 …

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

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 …

Spring shopping trends: How gift cards drive seasonal sales Read More »

Gift cards offer more than just convenience for customers—they are a treasure trove of data for retailers. By analyzing gift card purchases and redemptions, retailers can gain valuable insights into customer behavior, preferences, and purchasing patterns, which can then be used to optimize sales strategies and drive business growth. Understanding consumer behavior  When customers buy …

Gift cards and data: How retailers can use analytics to drive sales Read More »

Gift cards are often the first interaction a new customer has with a brand, and retailers must capitalize on this opportunity to convert gift card recipients into loyal, repeat buyers. Here are five effective strategies for achieving this goal: 1. Offer a welcome discount  When a customer redeems their gift card, send them a follow-up …

5 Ways to turn gift card recipients into loyal customers Read More »

The holiday season is one of the most crucial times of the year for retailers, and gift cards play a pivotal role in maximizing sales during this period. As more consumers turn to gift cards as an easy, versatile gifting option, retailers must develop strategic approaches to make the most of this trend. Here’s how …

Boosting holiday sales with gift cards: Retail strategies for success Read More »