Gift & Loyalty Cards Idea Book

CONSTANT EVOLUTION: A LOOK AT TRENDS RESHAPING THE GIFT CARD INDUSTRY

In an increasingly challenging and competitive retail environment, maximizing gift card revenue is critical to the bottom line. And yet, in many cases, the gift card industry is a sea of sameness from a design, packaging and fulfillment standpoint.

Let Taylor take you on a journey of five trends and ideas that can help cut through this clutter.

PAPER MAKES A COMEBACK

Some of the most recognizable brands in the world are moving toward paper gift cards. The reason? It helps a brand tell its story about green initiatives and highlights how the environment is at the forefront of their strategy. Leveraging recycled content and paper stock certified through the Sustainable Forestry Initiative® (SFI®) and the Forest Stewardship Council® (FSC®) can emphasize this message even further.

STAND

OUT

IN THE MAILBOX

You can increase giftability by offering higher-end packaging that is custom-built for a special occasion or promotion. Avoid delivering gift cards in number 10 envelopes that can get lost in the shuffle — or worse, thrown out with other direct mail or bills. Packaging and envelopes that look more like personal correspondence can enhance the perceived value of the gift.

FLEXIBILITY OF BLISTERLESS

More retailers are shifting to blisterless multi-packs because of the wide array of benefits that they offer. We know that paper is making a comeback and blisterless multi-packs are another aspect of that ecofriendly story. These multipacks also offer great flexibility by fitting well on a peg, enhancing the ease of purchase.

PRINT FINISHES MAKE A BRAND STATEMENT

Shopping the gift card section can be overwhelming and retailers are looking for ways to cut through clutter. Special printing techniques leveraging foil, metallic ink or raised ink not only increase the giftability and perceived value of the card, but can also help differentiate your brand at the point of sale.

DON’T OVERLOOK SECURITY

Don’t sweep gift card fraud concerns under the rug. Explore new tamper-evident pack designs and other high-security design options. Managing sensitive data throughout the entire production and fulfillment process remains a top priority.