Gift Cards On The Rise

The economy has slowed. 

People are saving instead of spending. 

Retailers across the country are having trouble just staying in business let alone turning a profit. 

Perhaps they should start offering gift cards.

It seems that gift cards have bucked the trend.  Gift cards have not simply weathered the storm; their sales have actually increased over the past six months.  Over half (57%) of American’s say they have purchased a gift card this year.  That figure is an increase of over 5% during the past six months.

It makes sense that gift card popularity has increased in these times.  As consumers are working more hours just to get by, the time they can spend shopping has been drastically reduced.  Gift cards provide those who are on a time crunch with a quick and easy way to buy a present.

This surge in gift card purchases is helping the economy in more ways than one.  The National Research Network, which conducted the survey, found that consumers often spend more than the amount of the gift card.

It will be interesting to watch the way in which consumers continue to use gift cards as the economic recession begins to slow and turn around.  Stay tuned to GiftCertificateGuide.com for the latest in gift card news!