Technology

Gift Cards Take Center Stage This Christmas: Australian Shoppers to Spend Nearly Half of Gift Budget on Flexible Presents

Published

1 month ago

December 9, 2024

MELBOURNE, Australia, Dec. 9, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — According to new research[1] from global branded payment provider, Blackhawk Network (BHN), Aussie consumers plan to allocate nearly half (44%) of their total gift spend on gift cards, up from 40% last year.

BHN found that Australians plan to spend an average of AUD$707 on gifts this holiday season, with AUD$311 earmarked for gift cards. While shoppers across all generations plan to spend more on gift cards this year, the largest increase is among younger shoppers. Gen Z and Millennial consumers plan to spend almost half of their total holiday gift spend (45%) on gift cards, an increase from 39% last year with most preparing to purchase 21 gift cards this holiday season (9 physical and 12 digital).

Shifting perceptions and spending habits
This shift marks a significant change in perception, as gift cards are increasingly seen by consumers as a thoughtful and intuitive gifting choice which recognises the value of giving recipients the freedom to select their own perfect present. In fact, over 51% of survey respondents noted that gift cards let recipients choose a gift they truly wanted, while also being a safer option to gifting cash (35%).

“No one wants to give a bad present that sits unused in a cupboard, regifted, or worse- uploaded to Facebook Marketplace. Gift cards have well and truly evolved from being a convenient option to a primary gifting strategy, which is well supported by the wide variety of gift cards available in the market. In today’s fast-paced world, where trends come and go at lightning speed, gift cards offer a perfect solution, allowing recipients to stay current with their choices while reducing the stress of gift selection for givers,” said BHN Senior Director Retail Kieran Nolan.

Gift cards are also topping Christmas wish lists with 84% of people wanting to receive gift cards, up from 60% last year. With trend cycles accelerating in recent years, traditional gifts risk becoming outdated quickly, making gift cards an increasingly attractive option.

“As the holiday season approaches, retailers should be preparing for a surge in gift card demand by expanding their in-store and online offerings” says Kieran Nolan.

“Shoppers are set to adopt a more strategic approach to their holiday spending as they balance rising living costs with value-driven gifting. Business should consider investing in their loyalty and incentive programs during this time to ensure they are engaging with customers and creating positive shopping experiences.”

For more findings and actionable insights to maximise the holiday shopping season, download BHN’s Australian holiday 2024 shopper and gift card insights here.

***

About Blackhawk Network

Today, through BHN’s single global platform, businesses of all kinds can tap into the world’s largest network of branded payment solutions. BHN helps businesses grow revenue, increase loyalty, motivate and reward their teams, disburse funds and engage consumers. Branded payment solutions include the issuance and distribution of gift cards, egifts, corporate payouts and rewards, along with the technology to deliver these products in seamless, integrated ways. BHN’s network spans the globe with more than 400,000 consumer touchpoints. Learn more at https://blackhawknetwork.com/au-en

[1] Blackhawk Network Australia Holiday 2024 Shopper and gift card insights

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/apac/news-releases/gift-cards-take-center-stage-this-christmas-australian-shoppers-to-spend-nearly-half-of-gift-budget-on-flexible-presents-302325660.html

SOURCE Blackhawk Network (BHN)

Technology

LB Technology Partners with Motorq to Integrate OEM Data Services

Published

40 minutes ago

January 13, 2025

MEMPHIS, Tenn., Jan. 13, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — LB Technology, a leader in fleet management and telematics solutions, is pleased to announce a strategic partnership with Motorq, a leading connected vehicle data platform, to integrate OEM data services into LB Technology’s suite of fleet solutions. This collaboration enhances LB Technology’s ability to provide real-time insights, streamline operations, and offer data-driven decision-making capabilities to its clients using factory-installed OEM telematics hardware from some of the world’s leading automakers, including General Motors, Ford, Toyota, Stellantis, Volkswagen, Volvo, BMW and more.

Integrating Motorq’s cutting-edge OEM data services will enable LB Technology to deliver richer, more accurate vehicle data, including diagnostics, driver behavior analytics, and predictive maintenance insights across many different vehicle manufacturers to deliver actionable insights on one single platform without needing external devices.

“Integrating Motorq’s OEM data services into our platform represents a significant step forward in our mission to deliver smarter, more efficient solutions on one single platform for fleet operators,” said Matt Courts, CTO of LB Technology. “This partnership empowers our customers with the tools and data they need to operate more safely, cost-effectively, and sustainably. We are excited about the possibilities this collaboration brings.”

“We’re thrilled to partner with LB Technology, a company that shares our vision of harnessing data to drive smarter fleet management,” said Matt Naiman, Senior Vice President of Sales at Motorq. “Our OEM data services bring unparalleled accuracy and depth, providing LB Technology’s customers with the insights they need to optimize their operations and achieve their goals.”

The partnership between LB Technology and Motorq is poised to set a new standard in fleet management. It will enable businesses to unlock the full potential of mixed fleet-connected vehicle data while enhancing safety, efficiency, and productivity.

For more information about this partnership and its benefits, please visit www.fleettrack.com.

About LB Technology
LB Technology is a leading provider of fleet management solutions, delivering cutting-edge telematics technology and data-driven insights to businesses worldwide. By leveraging innovative tools and expertise, LB Technology empowers fleet operators to improve safety, efficiency, and sustainability.

About Motorq
Motorq is a leading connected vehicle data platform that helps businesses unlock the power of OEM data to optimize fleet performance and operations. With a focus on accuracy, security, and actionable insights, Motorq is revolutionizing how organizations manage their fleets.

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/lb-technology-partners-with-motorq-to-integrate-oem-data-services-302349476.html

SOURCE LB Technology, Inc.

Technology

InventHelp Inventor Develops New Set of Audio Accessories (BDH-351)

Published

40 minutes ago

January 13, 2025

PITTSBURGH, Jan. 13, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — “I wanted to create a way to use either earphones or open-air speakers with one accessory,” said an inventor, from Deridder, La., “so I invented the RACHAL – JOHNSON INVENTION. My design increases options when listening to music or other digital content.”

The patent-pending invention provides a new set of accessories for digital music/media consumers. In doing so, it allows for wireless earphone and speaker use. As a result, it increases convenience. It also offers uninterrupted listening, even when charging the earphones. The invention features a versatile design that is easy to use so it is ideal for the general population. Additionally, a prototype is available.

The original design was submitted to the National sales office of InventHelp. It is currently available for licensing or sale to manufacturers or marketers. For more information, write Dept. 23-BDH-351, InventHelp, 100 Beecham Drive, Suite 110, Pittsburgh, PA 15205-9801, or call (412) 288-1300 ext. 1368. Learn more about InventHelp’s Invention Submission Services at http://www.InventHelp.com.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/inventhelp-inventor-develops-new-set-of-audio-accessories-bdh-351-302347421.html

SOURCE InventHelp

Technology

Proper Good, Inc. Successfully Secures New Funding to Fuel Growth

Published

40 minutes ago

January 13, 2025

AUSTIN, Texas, Jan. 13, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Proper Good, Inc., a leader in ready-to-eat meal solutions, announced today that it successfully secured additional funding in the fourth quarter of 2024 to support the expansion of its 19 affordable meal options, which include oats, soups, and pastas. This milestone underscores the company’s ongoing growth and dedication to providing accessible, ready-made meal choices to a broader audience.

Available in thousands of Walmart locations for under $5 each, Proper Good meals are designed to make healthy and convenient eating accessible to all. The funding round was primarily backed by internal investors and board members, with a strategic focus on driving retail growth and introducing Proper Good to new households in 2025.

“We’re absolutely thrilled to have the incredible backing of our investors as we deepen our retail partnerships,” said Christopher Jane, Co-Founder & CEO of Proper Good. “This support empowers us to bring an even wider variety of delicious, easy meals to Walmart shelves in 2025—making mealtime a breeze for everyone!”

These funds will be strategically deployed to accelerate product development, expand operations, and enhance customer offerings, ensuring Proper Good continues to innovate and lead in the ready-to-eat food space

With a proven track record, innovative solutions, and visionary leadership, Proper Good has garnered significant interest from the investment community. The company remains dedicated to making wholesome, affordable, and convenient meals a staple for households across the nation.

For more information about Proper Good, Inc or to inquire about this offering, please contact:

Media Contact
Jenelle Hamilton PR
Jenelle Hamilton
388645@email4pr.com
+1 646.421.9139

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/proper-good-inc-successfully-secures-new-funding-to-fuel-growth-302349494.html

SOURCE Proper Good Inc.