Target offers digital holiday gift cards
For the first time, the gift card displays in Target stores will offer guests the opportunity to send a digital gift card.
In a press release, the company said consumers can scan the QR code on the display to electronically send a gift card directly to the recipient.
Additionally, mobile gift cards allow guests to send gift cards digitally to another phone or e-mail address anytime from Target.com or the Target app.
Recipients of any Target gift card - physical or digital - can create a Target mobile gift card by saving the card's barcode to their Target account.
To redeem the value, consumers can access the barcode with a mobile phone and present it at the register to be scanned.
To see how the digital cards work, go here.
Select holiday gift cards will also have a QR code on the back that links to an online game called "Santa's Sleigh Ride."
"For more than 10 years, Target's design team has created unique holiday gift cards that guests are excited to give and receive," said Terry Scully, president, finance and retail services in the release. "From concept to creation, Target looks for ways to design gift cards that are fun, innovative and unexpected."
In addition to these digital options, the release said that the retailer's new Wow gift cards feature lights, sound and motion using Target's patented technology. There are more than 15 new designs, including multicultural options as well.
There is the Draw'n Go card that includes a market and special Bullseye dog car where guests can draw on a piece of paper with the marker, and the car will follow what was drawn.
The Joy Snowman card plays "Joy to the World"; while CHristmas Sweater Bear card features a bear wearing a lit up Christmas sweater.
The Antler Scrambler Maze is a reindeer-shaped card that comes with a magnet stylus to help consumer navigate the antler maze.
Recent research showed that that 49 per cent of consumers said they will purchase holiday gift cards.
Target's holiday gift cards are available on Target.com on Oct. 29 and in stores on Nov. 4.
Check out this infographic from Target on gift cards:
