Why an Omni-Channel Gift Card Program is Key in 2025 📈

In the retail landscape convenience and accessibility are king. Customers want seamless experiences whether they’re shopping in-store, online, or through a mobile app. Enter the omni-channel gift card program - a powerhouse tool that bridges all shopping channels and drives both engagement and revenue for retail brands. 

At Jigsaw, we’ve seen firsthand how expertly managed gift card programs can elevate brands to new heights. Let’s dive into the key benefits.

The omni-channel advantage 🛍️

An omni-channel gift card program allows customers to purchase, redeem, and reload gift cards across multiple touchpoints. Whether it’s gifting a card at a physical store, emailing a digital card for last-minute presents, or adding a balance via an app, the flexibility keeps customers coming back for more.

But what makes omni-channel so impactful? It meets customers wherever they are, reducing friction and maximising convenience. It’s what customers now expect, with 53.1% of respondents agreeing with the statement: “I expect all gift cards to be usable across all of the retailer’s sales channels” (GCVA, State of the Nation, Nov 2024).

And there’s more—omni-channel shoppers spend 30% more than single-channel customers, making this strategy essential for brands aiming to boost their bottom line.

Customer engagement that sticks 💡

Gift cards aren’t just transactional—they’re an opportunity to create meaningful engagement. With an omni-channel program, you can:

💯 Drive repeat visits: When customers have leftover balances or reloadable gift cards, they’re more likely to return to your brand.

💭 Offer personalised experiences: Link gift cards to loyalty programmes for tailored rewards and exclusive offers.

🤝 Tap into self-use trends: Many shoppers now use gift cards for personal budgeting, especially when shopping online. Digital-first gift card programs make this easier than ever.

An omni-channel approach ensures these touchpoints are consistent and user-friendly, encouraging deeper connections with your customers.

Increased sales - especially during peak periods 📈

Gift cards are a major driver of holiday sales, but they’re also the gift that keeps on giving. Here’s why:

🎁 Holiday peak revenue: Retailers with strong gift card programs often see up to a 20% lift in holiday sales, as gift cards are a go-to present for all demographics.

💸 Unspent balances: Roughly 65% of gift card recipients spend more than the card’s value when redeeming, leading to additional sales.

📅 Year-round engagement: Omni-channel programs capture sales in quieter months by driving promotions or campaigns around reloadable cards and rewards.

With the expectation for cross-channel usability now mainstream, having a seamless gift card experience is crucial to capitalising on these trends.

Why act now? ⏰

The gift card market is booming, with the UK industry alone valued at over £7 billion. Brands that invest in omni-channel gift card programs are positioned to capture a significant share of this growing market while building lasting customer loyalty.

With 53.1% of users expecting omni-channel usability, the time to act is now. Don't risk losing out to competitors who meet this demand better. 

Seamless execution with Jigsaw 🧩

Building an omni-channel gift card program might seem daunting, but that’s where we come in. At Jigsaw, we specialise in managing every aspect of your program, from strategy and design to distribution and analytics.

Our expertise ensures your program isn’t just functional—it’s a standout feature of your brand. Whether it’s creating an eCommerce-enabled digital gift card experience, integrating with POS systems, or expanding your reach into the growing B2B market, we’ve got you covered.

Ready to elevate your gift card strategy? 

See what Jigsaw can do for your brand today. Create an omni-channel gift card program that wows your customers and drives your revenue.