Hot Topics Right Now in Incentives, Gift Cards & Branded Payments

EMEA insights revealed as retailers shape their festive strategies

This month we unveiled research highlighting key trends shaping UK consumers' Christmas shopping habits in 2024. Among the 9,507 surveyed across EMEA, self-gifting is on the rise, with 22% of consumers planning to buy themselves presents, especially Gen Z (30%), who also report high dissatisfaction with received gifts (56%).? And, AI is transforming festive shopping habits, with 47% leveraging it for gift ideas and budget-friendly options. Budget concerns persist, as 21% of consumers adjust their shopping habits due to economic pressures, favoring cheaper brands and early shopping for cost management.

Payment preferences show a shift, with 38% favouring cash for better budgeting, while 40% will use credit cards. Gift cards remain a favourite, with 42% planning to purchase multi-use options. Anna Uprichard our VP, emphasises the importance of retailers adapting to trends, from offering loyalty rewards to promoting gift cards, ensuring they meet evolving consumer needs.

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That last minute dash for the staff Christmas gifts. We’ve got you covered

It’s official, Christmas is less than a month away… but, if you’ve left it to the last minute, don’t worry. Finding the perfect Christmas gift for your employees doesn’t have to be stressful, even if time is running out. Thoughtful last-minute options can show your appreciation and celebrate your team’s contributions throughout the year. Gift cards are an excellent choice, offering flexibility for employees to select something they truly want or need, whether it’s from their favourite retailer, a local restaurant, or even an experience-based option like a spa day or concert tickets. Personalising these gifts with a heartfelt note can add a meaningful touch, making your team feel valued and recognised.?

Need inspiration, we have you covered here!

BHN supports Klarna enter the ￡7 billion UK gift card market?

Big news to share! We’re delighted to announce we supported Klarna , the AI-powered global payments network, to launch the Klarna Gift Card Store in the UK. This platform allows customers to purchase gift cards from popular brands like Airbnb, Argos, IKEA, and Deliveroo using Klarna’s Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) options or instant debit payments.?

Shoppers can send gift cards with personalised notes and schedule deliveries directly through the Klarna app. This marks Klarna's entry into the ￡7 billion UK gift card market, expected to grow to nearly ￡9 billion by 2025. With digital gift cards comprising over 50% of the market, Klarna’s offerings are redeemable online and in-store via barcodes.

Following its successful US debut, Klarna plans to expand the Gift Card Store to additional European markets by the end of 2024.?

Read more about the partnership in the The Fintech Times , here.

Monthly Shout Out

Shout out to our amazing team this month for their dedication and presence at key industry events this month, including the Global Class Actions Symposium in Lisbon, the EngageCustomer Customer Engagement Summit in London, and the Local Government Procurement Expo, also in London. These events are more than just conferences—they are dynamic hubs of knowledge, collaboration, and opportunity.

By attending these key industry events, our team gains invaluable insights into emerging trends, best practices, and innovative strategies across diverse industries. They also provide a platform to connect with thought leaders, peers, and potential partners, building relationships that drive future collaboration. Networking at such events often leads to fresh perspectives and solutions to challenges, empowering our team to bring back actionable ideas and strategies that benefit both our clients and the wider industry.

Participation also demonstrates our commitment to staying ahead of the curve and continuously engaging with the broader professional community. Here’s to keeping the momentum going into 2025!