Cross-channel gift card technology set to drive further growth for UK homeware, clothing, accessories and outdoor products retailer
Cath Kidston has selected Futura’s e-gift card system to provide additional flexibility and services for customers looking for gifting options.
The gift cards can be purchased instore or online and redeemed at any of the group’s UK stores, or through the retailers's website. Gift card balances can also be checked online or at the till and gift certificates can be conveniently sent by email.
Pre-integration with existing IT
The e-gift card provider said a quick roll out and integration with its existing retail management systems, with all the web services already built in, were deciding factors for Cath Kidston. As part of the integration, Futura developed additional online security features using both a chip & PIN, as well as gift card, number to provide added customer protection.
Mike Padfield, Cath Kidston IT director, said: “As we continue to make the Cath Kidston shopping experience as enjoyable and easy as possible, this is another way we are improving services for customers. It was important to integrate the system in time for the Christmas rush and the reaction so far has been incredibly positive, both from customers and our retail teams.”
Building on domestic success
The vendor also reported that Cath Kidston is considering the introduction of seasonal card designs later this year and, in future, will look to extend the system worldwide to its stores in Ireland, Japan, China, Korea, Taiwan and Thailand.
Padfield concluded: “This is a robust, simple, easy to implement system that puts us on a par with some of the biggest retail operations. We believe the Futura gift card solution will be one of the ways we drive increased sales and loyalty both in the UK and globally in the future.”
The retailer also recently appointed Retail Assist as its new managed service provider and completed the roll out of new Aures Group till systems to its UK store estate (Retail Technology magazine, May/June 2012 issue, p6).