General

Introduction When you think “gift card,” you probably imagine a retail store, a restaurant, or maybe an online marketplace. But around the world, companies have gotten wildly creative with what you can buy via gift cards. Some of these unusual offerings might surprise you — and inspire you to rethink what gifting can be. Tattoos …

The world’s most unusual gift cards: From tattoos to space travel Read More »

For many people, gift cards live in one specific moment of the year. December arrives, inboxes fill up, and gifting becomes another task to check off the list. But gift cards can be so much more than a seasonal solution. When used thoughtfully, they can become a year round way to build relationships, show appreciation, …

Turn holiday gifting into something that works all year Read More »

Introduction The new year always brings fresh resolutions — not just for people, but for businesses too. In retail, January is the month where leaders ask: What’s next? How do we evolve? After a record-breaking holiday season, attention shifts toward loyalty, personalization, and how to future-proof the customer experience. In 2026, gift cards and loyalty …

Retail & loyalty in 2026: The trends that will define the New Year Read More »

Introduction If you think of shopping malls, the first image might be crowds, clothing stores, and holiday sales. But there’s another side to the mall experience — one that has transformed dramatically over the years: the food. From greasy pizza slices to Michelin-starred pop-ups, malls have gone from quick snack stops to culinary destinations. The …

From food courts to fine dining: How shopping malls became culinary destinations Read More »

Advanced personalization and video as the new era of the shopping experience Gift cards are no longer just a convenient last minute substitute for a present. In recent years, they have evolved into one of the most advanced digital products in retail, tourism and shopping centers. The future of gift cards will be shaped by …

Gift cards of the future Read More »

Introduction December is the most magical — and most profitable — month of the year for retailers. Holiday lights shine, shopping centers are packed, and online carts overflow. But in recent years, one trend has quietly reshaped the way people give and receive: the rise of gift cards as the go-to holiday present. In 2025, …

Holiday 2025: How gift cards are redefining the season of giving Read More »

Introduction Gift cards seem like a given today: browse online, pick a design, email or print, redeem in store or on an app. But the journey from simple paper certificates to the sleek digital cards we tap or scan is rich with twists, inventions, and unexpected entrepreneurs. Let’s rewind and explore how we got here. …

From certificates to cards: The fascinating origins of the modern gift card Read More »

Introduction With the holiday shopping season looming, retailers and consumers alike are looking for clues: What will drive gifting behaviors this year? Where should marketing dollars go? Which gift card formats will win? As it turns out, the data from earlier in 2025 already offers a map — a detailed snapshot of what’s working, what’s …

Numbers don’t lie: Gift card trends shaping the 2025 holiday season Read More »

Open or closed loop – who controls the true value of gift cards? Introduction Not all gift cards are created equal. Behind a simple piece of plastic or a sleek digital e-card hides a deeper question: who holds the control, who owns the data, and who creates long-term value? Should a shopping center rely on an …

Where is your money really going? Read More »

October always carries a sense of change. The air gets cooler, the leaves turn, and conversations about sustainability become louder as we head into the last stretch of the year. For many businesses, it’s also a reminder that customer habits are shifting — not only in what they buy, but in how they choose to …

Green gifting: Why digital gift cards are the future of sustainable giving Read More »