In this episode we welcome Dan Farrell, VP at Loop Commerce to discuss how the gift card industry has changed and what additional opportunities exist to maximize the gifting experience. Kristen and Dan will review ho gift cards have changed over the years, what new technologies are helping merchants make them more personal, and why viewing gift cards as a digital currency is important for growth.  

Flourish in a Flash: The Gift Card and Branded Currency Podcast

Enhancing the Gift Card Experience

 We are thrilled to welcome an esteemed panel of industry leaders including: Pete Kledaras, CEO of Paylitix Deb Merkin, CEO of GiftCard Partners Cameron Krost, Gift Card Manager with Topgolf Laura Parker with Best Buy for an important conversation about the need for data transparency and increasing transparency can move the branded currency industry forward. 

The Importance of Data Transparency

This week, Kristen welcomes Mo Chaar, Chief Commercial Officer with Givex, to learn about their new COVID-19 assistance programs available to clients and how these programs continue support the industry's needs during these challenging times.

What One Processor is Doing to Help Their Clients Thrive During COVID-19

This week Kristen welcomes Eric Thiegs and Ashley Harris from NGC about their unique experience in shifting operations during COVID-19 and how NGC continued to support the industry's needs. Throughout the conversation Eric and Ashley address shifting trends since COVID, changes to business that needed to be considered, what trends or changes may last, and also preview brand new data focused on B2B gift cards. 

Becoming and Essential Business

This week Kristen welcomes Jay Klauminzer, CEO of Raise, to discuss how the company has evolved from solely a secondary marketplace to a new loyalty and payments platform. Kristen and Jay also address national trends of shopping local during COVID-19 and what that means for branded payments as well as broader international industry trends. 

The Next Evolution of Loyalty and Payments

Kristen Thiry welcomes Joe Galano with Archway Marketing Services and Jason Sheets with Entelliment to discuss the new ways organizations within the branded payments industry have shifted in response to COVID-19 and discuss what new services are now being offered in or to meet customer needs.

How Businesses are Pivoting and Offering Additional Services

COVID-19 sparked an instant shift in consumer spending and now we're starting to see the data and begin to have an idea of what this may mean for the future of retail.  The Flourish Team discusses current spending trends, the shifting landscape for fighting fraud, and make their own predictions about what trends may turn into lasting consumer habits. 

Current Consumer Trends During COVID-19

What will the world of gift card and incentive programs for events and travel look like as the world begins to re-open and we find a new normal? Kristen Thiry welcomes two esteemed guest panelists,  Peter Cannon and Peter Friend to discuss the new landscape of these core industries in post-COVID times. 

When Events and Destinations Return

This week, Kristen Thiry welcomes three special guest panelists to discuss how COVID-19 has impacted breakage and escheatment as well as possible changes that may occur in a post-COVID world. Learn from: Kimberly DeCarrera with DeCarrera Law, Len Llaguno, with KYROS Insights, and Robert Peters with Duff & Phelps, LLC about what gift card breakage and escheatment may look like in the new future. 

Breakage and Escheatment Post COVID

This week the Flourish Team discusses the unique ways retailers can make the most of their gift card offerings to best capture sales during the pivotal Dads and Grads shopping season as consumer trends continue to shift. 

Gift Card Sales for Dads and Grads During COVID-19

With more employees working from home than ever before, how can companies help keep their teams engaged? In this episode, Flourish co-founder, Kristen Thiry, welcomes special guests Cindy Mielke and Scotty Greenburg with Tango Card as they review brand new research about engagement among newly remote employees. Cindy and Scotty discuss how strategies may change based on both the goal of the company and length of time the employee will be working from home.

How Gift Cards Can Help in the Changing Economic and Employment Climate

As social distancing becomes our daily normal, it is essential that retailers both small and large develop strategies to stay connected to customers. One way to do that is by capturing the power of a loyalty strategy, promotional value, and gift cards. In this week's episode, the Flourish team reviews three retailers with distinctly different strategies that are on brand, tailored for the current climate, and still keep customers engaged. 

How to Keep Customers Connected During Social Distancing

If there's one thing that is certain, it's that times are changing. One of the biggest industry shifts seen in recent weeks is that gift cards have suddenly taken the spotlight for both companies and consumers, but are they as beneficial during these times as many reports claim? In this episode, the Flourish team talks about three key things everyone should understand about gift cards as they become a more prevalent strategy for large retailers, small businesses, and consumer use in the changing economic climate. Have you ever wondered what happens to a gift card if it's not redeemed? Are you not sure about the difference between a promo code and a gift card? Should consumers be redeeming gift cards right now? This episode answers these three questions and more.  To learn more visit flourishcon.com

3 Things Companies and Consumers Need to Know About Gift Cards During Uncertain Times

Flourish cofounder Holly Glowaty welcomes special guest, Eirc Thiegs, CRO at NGC to discuss the current trends in B2B and incentive gift card programs as well as what they may mean for future program development and opportunities.  A 20-year industry veteran, Eric addresses the current split between physical and digital gift card use in these programs, trends in mobile and digital use, and how a merchant or partner program can best prepare for success in this sales channel.

The Future of B2B and Incentive Gift Card Programs

Holly and Kristen welcome special guest Todd Tomlin, Managing Director with Consummo Consulting, to discuss trends he has seen first hand in his travels throughout 45 different countries in the last three years. Todd shares highlights he's seen in payments systems in Japan, China, Thailand and more. Todd also shares insights on branded currency and alternative payment trends in the travel and hospitality industry as well as how they may influence the future of branded currency.  Todd will be presenting at The 2020 Flourish Conference. To learn more and register visit www.flourishcon.com

International Branded Currency and Alternative Payments Trends

Presented by Flourish Conference founders, Holly Glowaty and Kristen Thiry, Flourish in a Flash provides quick essential updates and information about retail, loyalty programs, and branded currency while also giving a behind the scenes glimpse of preparations for the yearly Flourish Conference—one of the must-attend industry events for brands ready to grow their gift card programs.

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Flourish in a Flash: The Gift Card and Branded Currency Podc...

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