National Use Your Gift Card Day
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Where is National Use Your Gift Card Day celebrated?
National Use Your Gift Card Day is celebrated in different regions of the US.
Who is National Use Your Gift Card Day celebrated by?
This day is celebrated by shoppers all over the United States and is supported by merchants, retailers, and restaurants.
When did National Use Your Gift Card Day first start?
This annual national holiday was started in the year 2020 to make the most of unused gift cards after the holiday season. It is now celebrated on the third Saturday of January every year.
Who started National Use Your Gift Card Day?
Many consumers let their gift cards expire unused. Tracy Tilson founded the National Use Your Gift Card Day to remind consumers to check wallets for unused gift cards and shop with them or donate them to a cause.
History And Timelines
There's an interesting journey in how gift cards came to be. The below timeline will surely fascinate you about the origin of gift cards!
Traditions And Customs
Most major retail brands and stores offer deals and discounts for shoppers on this special day. Even restaurants offer discounts on specific gift cards.
Ways To Observe Or Celebrate National Use Your Gift Card Day
To make the most of this day, gather all your gift cards and shop in-store at the mall, or peruse the website of your favorite retail stores.
You can find something for your family and close friends. Or, if you are a pet parent, you can purchase food and toys for your furry friends. If you just can't seem to find the right gift for yourself or a dear one, you can collaborate with Gift Card Bank and forward this amount to a notable cause.
Facts And Stats
- Statistics from the Mercator Advisory Group, Inc. revealed that $3.5 billion in gift cards is left unused every year, which led to the idea of the National Use Your Gift Card Day.
- Tracy Tilson started this day to remind consumers to either cash in their unused gift cards or donate them to charity before expiration.
- Gift cards are the most commonly offered item in the holiday season, after clothing, which is why the National Use Your Gift Card Day falls in January, right after the holiday season.
- This day is primarily an American shopping holiday with international retailers enabling shoppers to max out any idle gift cards in time.
Article image credit: Nicole Glass Photography / Shutterstock.com
Gift Certificates In Stores
Departmental stores offered gift certificates to a few select customers to be bought at store counters.
'30sIntroduction Of Gift Cards In Retail
Nieman Marcus, a luxury department store owner, created the first modern gift cards.
1994First Successful Plastic Store Gift Card
Blockbuster was the first company to issue plastic gift cards to the general public. These gift cards were quite popular.
1996Major Retail Gift Cards
Major American retail chains like Bloomingdale's, Macy's, and the Gap introduced their own versions of the gift cards to the market.
1998Reloadable Gift Cards
Leading brands like Starbucks offered customers reusable and reloadable gift cards. Customers could now pay online and add more credits to the gift card.
2001Do you have to wait 24 hours to use a gift card?
No, you can use the gift card as soon as it is activated.
Can you use a gift card on the day it expires?
You can use a gift card on the day it expires, but this may be subject to gift card companies. It is best to check with the brand responsible for it.
What is National Use Your Gift Card day?
National Use Your Gift Card is an American holiday to remind customers to use the amount left in their gift cards.
How long after buying a gift card can you use it?
You can activate the gift card soon after the purchase and start using it; it is subject to the brand in some cases.
What are some cost-effective advantages of National Use Your Gift Card Day?
This day is a reminder for consumers to look for any unused credits in their gift cards and use them before they expire. It can help you buy items on sale or a gift for any future occasion.
What are the restrictions in celebrating National Use Your Gift Card Day?
How are companies promoting National Use Your Gift Card Day?
How does National Use Your Gift Card Day help in economic buying?
This day acts as a reminder to the average shopper to check wallets and gift cards for unused credit. It helps them get the best deals and save money on upcoming purchases.
When Is This Day Celebrated
- Saturday, January 16, 2021
- Saturday, January 21, 2023
- Saturday, January 20, 2024
- Saturday, January 15, 2022
- Saturday, January 18, 2020
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Bachelor of Arts specializing in English, Master of Arts specializing in English
Rajnandini RoychoudhuryBachelor of Arts specializing in English, Master of Arts specializing in English
With a Master of Arts in English, Rajnandini has pursued her passion for the arts and has become an experienced content writer. She has worked with companies such as Writer's Zone and has had her writing skills recognized by publications such as The Telegraph. Rajnandini is also trilingual and enjoys various hobbies such as music, movies, travel, philanthropy, writing her blog, and reading classic British literature.
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