Multinational retail franchise operator the Alshaya Group has launched online gift cards to keep pace with the retail sector’s digital transformation and make shoppers’ experiences simpler and quicker.
Shoppers can now purchase eGift cards directly from the Alshaya Group’s website or its brands’ e-commerce sites. They can specify eGift cards’ values and the country of issue and can add personalised designs for occasions such as birthdays and anniversaries.
The launch of eGift cards come as part of Alshaya’s Digital Hub, the entity implementing digital transformation to accommodate consumers’ changing retail habits.
At present, shoppers in Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and the UAE can purchase eGift cards for Bath & Body Works and Victoria’s Secret, with American Eagle, Debenhams, COS, Boots, Foot Locker, H&M, Mothercare, Muji, Pottery Born, Pottery Barn Kids and West Elm soon to come.
“Our focus is on meeting the wants and needs of our customers to ensure effortless experiences and serve them in the way that is most natural to them,” said Paul Morris, chief digital officer at the Alshaya Group.
“We want to delight our customers every day, whether they choose to shop in-store, on a mobile device or through a browser. By extending our already popular Gift Cards into a digital format we give customers the option to instantly gift their loved ones and celebrate special occasions.”
Cards can be sent via SMS or email and linked with customers’ online accounts. They can also act as digital wallets.
The eGift cards work similarly to traditional gift cards – cards are valid for one year – and can be used online or in-store using the card’s QR code.
The Alshaya Group – headquartered in Kuwait with operations across the Middle East, North Africa, Turkey and Europe – recently expanded its retail footprint, bringing 22 stores, including Jo Malone, Claire’s and MAC, to Dubai Hills Mall.
