PLEASANTON, Calif.,
Dec. 5, 2016 /PRNewswire/
-- Blackhawk Network—a pioneer of gift cards, payments tools
and rewards delivered via a robust and convenient network—today
announced it will integrate gift cards, egifts, loyalty and rewards
programs into Apple Pay.
The technology will enable Blackhawk to serve as a digital pass provider
for merchants. By adding these forms of branded value—or value
added services (VAS)—into Apple Pay, consumers have the option to
store, manage and make payments with gift and loyalty cards using
their Apple Wallet, and retailers have the resources needed to make
improved digital connections with shoppers.
"Blackhawk is working with our
vast partnership network to lead the digital transition of
different forms of branded value such as gift cards, egift and
loyalty," said Talbott Roche, CEO
and president of Blackhawk Network. "Through our partnership with
Apple Pay, consumers will now be able to pay using prepaid or gift
cards loaded into their Apple Wallet right on their iPhone or Apple
Watch, while simultaneously earning rewards and loyalty points at
participating merchants through just a touch of their device. It's
a win-win for all involved."
According to a recent survey from Mercator Advisory Group, 53
percent of smartphone owners surveyed paid by mobile phone at
checkout within the past year, and 61 percent used a mobile phone
to pay for goods and services in stores four times or more in the
past month.1 Additionally, third-party research of Apple
Pay users found that 70 percent of those surveyed are more likely
to choose a store that accepts Apple Pay.2
Retailers can continue to encourage mobile payment adoption,
which speeds through-put and convenience, by providing more value
to consumers through integration of branded value such as loyalty
and gift cards.
"The ability for a consumer to store all their loyalty programs
in their mobile wallet along with any gift cards and checkout in
one simple tap may be the impetus that digital wallets need," said
David Jones, General Manager of
Global Digital and eCommerce at Blackhawk Network. "We believe
that the ease of our Apple Pay solution could also advance
enrollment and use of loyalty programs for brands and
merchants."
About Blackhawk Network
Blackhawk Network Holdings,
Inc. (NASDAQ: HAWK) is a leading global stored value and payments
provider, which supports the program management and distribution of
gift cards, telecom products, and financial services products in
retail, digital and incentive channels. Blackhawk's digital platform enables the
management of stored value products, promotions, and loyalty
programs across a network of digital distribution partners
including retailers, financial service providers, and mobile
wallets. For more information, please visit
www.blackhawknetwork.com or product websites Cardpool, Gift Card
Lab, Gift Card Mall, GiftCards.com and OmniCard.
1 The CustomerMonitor Survey Series is an online
survey conducted by Mercator Advisory Group in June 2016. The sample size included 3,009
respondents.
2 Apple Pay Tracker research was conducted by
Auriemma Consulting Group (ACG) in May–June 2015. ACG interviewed
500 iPhone users.
CONTACT:
Ashley Jackson
Ashley@fletchergroupllc.com
719-332-3495
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SOURCE Blackhawk Network