Christmas is over, but the Christmas shopping season is still on, thanks to one of the most popular items found in stockings this year – the gift card. Many of the large, medium, and small retailers throughout the state offer gift cards. Larry Whitely, Manager of Corporate Public Relations with Bass Pro Shops in Springfield, says these cards are becoming increasingly popular for gift givers and those on the receiving end.
Nathan Shore, Director of Public Relations for Macy’s Midwest – based in St. Louis – says that while most gift cards are redeemed within 60 days, most of the cards won’t expire for two years – and can be renewed at any time during that period.
As for how gift cards fit into the overall Christmas sales figures, financial analysts stress the fact that money spent on these cards do not count on retailers’ sales figures until the cards are redeemed and merchandise is moved out of the store. Those analysts estimate Americans spent about $29-billion on gift cards this holiday shopping season.
Download/Listen: Steve Walsh report (:60 MP3)
