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Remember when finding “the one” meant swiping endlessly or hitting up a bar?Now imagine this: your next big love story could kick off… right next to a Cinnabon. Sounds wild? Maybe. But what if shopping centers — those temples of consumerism — are quietly becoming the new places for romantic connection? It turns out your love life …

Love in the Time of Cinnabon: Are Shopping Malls the New Dating Hotspot? Read More »

When most people think of summer, they imagine vacations, music festivals, rooftop bars, and street fairs. But for marketers and retailers, July isn’t just about sun and fun—it’s a golden opportunity to drive customer acquisitionthrough creative, mobile-first gifting. In 2025, consumers are more spontaneous than ever. They make decisions on the go, often with little time …

Instant Gratification at Summer Events: How Gift Cards Are Changing the Festival Experience Read More »

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 …

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

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 …

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

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 »