In our own agency, we've seen great success with a specific gift card strategy: offering a bonus gift card with a minimum purchase, often tied to a specific product launch or seasonal promotion. For example, a retail client of ours during the holiday season offered a $25 gift card for future use with any purchase over $100. This strategy worked for a few simple reasons. First, it provided immediate value that felt like a bonus, not just a price reduction. Customers walked away feeling like they got more for their money, which always leaves a good impression. Second, the gift card for future use directly encouraged a repeat visit. It put a concrete value in the customer's hand that they could only redeem by returning to the store. This reduced the mental effort of deciding where to shop next, effectively bringing them back through the doors.
One effective strategy I've seen is offering bonus value gift cards during promotions, like "Buy a $50 gift card, get a $10 bonus card." This approach works particularly well because it encourages both gifting and self-use; customers often keep the bonus for themselves and then return to make another purchase. It not only drives immediate revenue but also builds a second touchpoint that increases brand engagement and loyalty. The success lies in the psychological appeal of getting more than what you paid for, which naturally encourages customers to return for repeat visits.