Gift Cards Offer New & Traditional Ways for Consumers to Maximize their Gift Card Experience During the Holidays

Retail Gift Card Association Announces Gift Card Weekend January 6th-8th Offering Consumers Special Offers

MIAMI, Nov. 23, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Each year gift cards top everyone's holiday list as the gift they would most like to receive because the cards allow them to buy something they really want. For gift givers, gift cards take the guess work out of shopping for just the right present and allowing recipients to purchase exactly what they want when they want to. According to the National Retail Federations Holiday Survey released last month, gift cards remain the most requested holiday gift, marking the fifth year in a row gift cards have topped consumers' wish lists.

"Retail gift cards remain America's most sought after gift every holiday season because the cards have no expiration dates, no hidden fees and offer something for everyone from stores specializing in electronics and home improvement to restaurants and of course apparel and jewelry," remarked Rebekka Rea, President & Executive Director, Retail Gift Card Association.

In response to America's growing use of the internet through personal computers and mobile devices, this year consumers will see more retailers jumping on the digital gifting highway. Many members of the RGCA offer innovative e-gift cards like The Home Depot  whose digital gift card allows consumers to upload not only photos but also live video on their e-gift cards. With one click purchasers may send it to a friend, family member or someone special.

There's an app for that! Yes, many retailers and members of the RGCA are also offering mobile apps for tech savvy people who prefer to give, receive and redeem gift cards from their smart phones or other mobile devices.  "E-gifting is 'instant gifting,'" says Steven Kane, Chief Revenue Officer for SpaFinder. "Our customers love the ability to instantly send a gift card and the recipients appreciate the ability to redeem their gift card without having to worry about keeping up with a physical gift card."

Making the holiday season even brighter this year, the RGCA is supporting a new gift card redemption campaign called Gift Card Weekend, January 6-8, 2012 during which  consumers can take advantage of special offers from their favorite store. The brain child of Gift Card Impressions, consumers can find information about these special offers at www.giftcardweekend.com. The featured offers will be revealed on the site between now and the start of Gift Card Weekend on January 6, 2012. Participating brands include: Adidas, Buca di Bepo, jcpenney, Sephora, SpaFinder and Subway. Visit www.giftcardweekend.com to see the complete list of participating brands.

"In this tough economy, consumers want to stretch every dollar as far as they can. Gift Card Weekend allows gift card recipients to maximize their gift card experience, take advantage of sales and extend the value of their gift cards," added Rea.

As shoppers gear up for Black Friday and make their holiday shopping lists, here are some easy tips to help consumers give and redeem their store gift cards.

Why Retail Gift Cards Make the Perfect Gift

• People LOVE Gift Cards - According to a recent NRF Holiday Survey, gift cards top the list for most requested gift for the last 5 years!  There is a gift card that is appropriate for every one on your list.
• Its the Perfect Fit - Recipients appreciate the fact that you took the time to choose a gift card that suits their lifestyle or taste.  The ability to pick out an item or experience of their choosing guarantees perfect fit, color, size and satisfaction.
• No Fees/No Expiration Date - Retail branded ( also called "closed loop") gift cards have no purchase, dormancy, inactivity or other fees except for any funds provided as part of a promotion.  Retail branded gift cards have no expiration dates-you can purchase with confidence knowing the recipient can redeem the gift card whenever they choose to.

About the RGCA – www.thergca.org
Founded in 2008, the Retail Gift Card Association is a member organization of diverse, closed loop gift card retailers committed to promoting and protecting the use of gift cards. RGCA members follow a code of principles which promotes best practice standards to help the industry grow and shape it in ways that benefit both members and consumers.

Membership in the Retail Gift Card Association is open to retailers, restaurants, and travel-and-entertainment merchants who issue closed-loop gift cards in North America and whose primary revenue is not derived from gift cards.. For more information about the Retail Gift Card Association visit www.thergca.org.

SOURCE Retail Gift Card Association