The Convenience of Gift Cards: Why They’ve Overtaken Traditional Gifting
Gift-giving has been a tradition for centuries, but with the advent of technology and changing lifestyles, the way people give gifts has evolved. One trend that has become increasingly popular is gift cards. In fact, gift cards have surpassed traditional gifting in terms of convenience and popularity. In this article, we will explore why gift cards are more convenient than traditional gifting.
Convenience for the giver
One of the main reasons gift cards have become so popular is the convenience they offer. Gift cards eliminate the need for gift wrapping, which can be time-consuming and often frustrating. According to a survey by the National Retail Federation, 87% of shoppers said they would prefer to receive a gift card rather than a traditional gift. This suggests that people are opting for convenience over sentimentality.
Additionally, gift cards can be purchased online, making it easy for last-minute shoppers to find the perfect present. At Cardgifters you can find the offers of top online retailers like Amazon with their hot offers that can be delivered instantly via email. This eliminates the need for physical travel and allows shoppers to buy gifts from the comfort of their own homes.
Convenience for the recipient
Gift cards are also more convenient for recipients. Instead of receiving a gift they may not like or need, a gift card allows them to choose their own option. This is especially true for people who are difficult to shop for or have specific tastes. According to a study by First Data, 72% of consumers prefer to receive a gift card over a traditional gift because it allows them to choose what they want.
Gift cards also offer flexibility in terms of when and where they can be redeemed. Many gift cards have no expiration date, allowing recipients to use them whenever they choose. Additionally, gift cards can be used online or in-store, making it easy for recipients to shop at their convenience.
Experts in the retail industry have weighed in on the convenience of gift cards. According to J. Craig Shearman, spokesperson for the National Retail Federation, “Gift cards have become the most requested gift, and for good reason. They’re convenient for both the giver and the recipient.”
Retail analyst Sucharita Kodali of Forrester Research agrees, stating, “Gift cards are a much more convenient way of giving and receiving gifts. They take away the hassle of finding the perfect gift and are a great way to show appreciation without the need for a physical present.”
Examples
The convenience of gift cards can be seen in the success of retailers who offer them. For example, Starbucks has reported that gift cards account for approximately 40% of their sales. Similarly, Amazon has reported that gift cards are the most requested item on their site.
Gift cards have become the preferred method of gifting for many people, thanks to their convenience and flexibility. They eliminate the need for gift wrapping and allow recipients to choose their own gifts.
Retail experts agree that gift cards are a more convenient way of giving and receiving gifts, and the success of retailers who offer them is a testament to their popularity. As the trend towards digital gifting continues to grow, it’s likely that gift cards will continue to be the go-to choice for convenient and hassle-free gift-giving.