Gift cards grow as Christmas gifts

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AMBER DILLEY

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December 17, 2008

By AMBER DILLEY The Glasgow Daily Times Wed Dec 17, 2008, 09:53 AM CST

GLASGOW — Gone are the days of searching endlessly for the perfect gift for someone as research shows more people are choosing to give gift cards instead.

According to an online survey of 300 female Wal-Mart shoppers by BIGresearch, nearly 70 percent of respondents would like to receive a gift card this holiday to select their own gift.

More than half, 56 percent, plan to buy a gift card this year, with 18 percent planning to spend $40 to $50 on gift cards.

Melissa O’Brien, corporate communications and merchandise spokeswoman for Wal-Mart said in an e-mail: “We do see that more shoppers will consider Wal-Mart gift cards as fitting value for helping friends and family stretch their dollars further in 2009, whether for grocery, apparel or home entertainment.”

DeDe Priest, Wal-Mart senior vice president, food division, said the store offers more choices for purchases through a gift card.

“Wal-Mart shoppers can stretch their gift card dollars further and make purchases that work best for family and future plans, all in one place.”

According to the survey, almost half of the respondents would like to have a gift card for groceries, in addition to restaurants.

Sonic, a burger chain with a location in Glasgow, offers gift cards for those who would have a chili hot dog or cheeseburger on their wish list.

“I have noticed the sale of our gift cards going up in recent years,” said Leon Prater, manager of Sonic on L. Rogers Wells Boulevard. “They’re buying quite a few of them this year.”

For Goody’s clothing store in the Barren River Plaza, sales are about the same as last year, but the season isn’t over yet.

“Usually, this is the week people get them,” said Susie Merkling, manager of the location in Glasgow. “They’re sort of a last minute gift idea. I think next week, they’ll be flying out of here.”

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