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credit: SmartGifty
credit: SmartGifty

Gift cards and data: How retailers can use analytics to drive sales

Gift cards offer more than just convenience for customers—they are a treasure trove of data for retailers. By analyzing gift card purchases and redemptions, retailers can gain valuable insights into customer behavior, preferences, and purchasing patterns, which can then be used to optimize sales strategies and drive business growth.

guest article by SmartGifty

When customers buy or redeem gift cards, they provide data that reveals important details about shopping habits. For instance, retailers can analyze the types of products most frequently purchased with gift cards, the times of year when gift card redemptions peak, and whether customers tend to spend more than the value of the card. These insights can help retailers better understand what drives consumer behavior and how to optimize product offerings and promotions.

Personalized marketing based on data

Using data from gift card transactions, retailers can create highly personalized marketing campaigns. For example, if a customer tends to redeem gift cards for a specific product category, retailers can send them targeted promotions featuring similar products or exclusive deals in that category. This type of data-driven marketing is proven to increase conversion rates and customer loyalty.

Optimizing inventory and sales strategies

Gift card data can also help retailers optimize their inventory management. By tracking which products are most frequently purchased with gift cards, retailers can ensure they are well-stocked with high-demand items, especially during peak gift card redemption periods like post-holiday sales. Retailers can also use this data to identify products that may need additional promotion to encourage sales.

Tools for analyzing gift card data

With platforms like SmartGifty, retailers can access detailed analytics on gift card transactions, including purchase trends, redemption rates, and customer demographics. SmartGifty’s advanced reporting features allow retailers to segment their audience and tailor their marketing strategies to different customer groups.

Improving customer retention

Gift card data can also be used to improve customer retention strategies. By analyzing when and how often customers use gift cards, retailers can identify opportunities to re-engage with them through loyalty programs, follow-up promotions, or personalized recommendations. For instance, if a customer hasn’t redeemed their gift card within a certain timeframe, retailers can send a reminder with a special offer to encourage them to return and make a purchase.

In conclusion, by leveraging the rich data provided by gift card transactions, retailers can make informed decisions that improve customer engagement, boost sales, and optimize their overall business strategies.

Learn more about Smart Octopus Solutions:

Together with a co-founder, Jurij Triller, CEO of Smart Octopus Solutions, has developed this smart gift card solution that offers a closed loop to customers and partners, unlike comparable products. In this interview with ACROSS he talks about the advantages of being independent from a major player like Visa or Mastercard, what data insights he can ensure as a result, and why personalization and customization are key. Read more

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