Retail Gift Cards Offer Holiday Shoppers Safe, Affordable Alternative

OKLAHOMA CITY--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

The gift-giving season is here and it is no surprise that the number one holiday gift this year, according to the National Retail Federation (NRF), is the gift card. They predict that over 80 percent of shoppers will purchase at least one gift card with total holiday spending approaching $30 billion in 2012.

The Retail Gift Card Association (RGCA), made up of some of the nation's largest retailers, wants all consumers to know that gift cards purchased at their member companies have no fees, never expire and are a convenient – and coveted – gift.

Rebekka Rea, RGCA's Executive Director explains, “RGCA members, including most of the country's largest retailers, offer customers the ability to purchase gift cards on the companies' websites or in stores. These cards do not expire and have absolutely no fees associated with them, which makes the store's gift card such a perfect gift this holiday season.”

NRF President and CEO Matthew Shay acknowledges the growing popularity of gift cards. “Savvy shoppers know they can purchase a much appreciated gift card with ease either in store, online or through their mobile device, and give their loved ones the option to buy something they really want or need.”

In today's world it is nice to know that something purchased will not lose value. In most cases gift cards can be registered on company's websites, which goes a step further in protecting the gift. If the physical card is ever lost, the money is still there. Visit your favorite retailer's website for more information on how to register gift cards. For a complete list of RGCA members, please visit www.thergca.org.

The Retail Gift Association was founded in 2008 to promote the use of in-store gift cards. To be a member of the RGCA the retailer's gift cards can neither expire nor have any fees associated with the product. For more information about RCGA please visit www.thergca.org or follow the association on Twitter @TheRGCA or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/retailgiftcards.