Wirecard : launches online shop for Lidl gift cards in Germany

Posted on 11/08/2017 at 07:30

Flexible shopping experience via omnichannel approach supported by Wirecard

Wirecard, the digital financial technology expert, has launched a gift card online shop for Lidl in Germany. Wirecard is assuming responsibility for the entire distribution process, including logistics and handling as well as issuance and technical payment processing for the cards. Up until now, they have only been available to purchase in the branches. Holistic expertise in the area of digital payment systems, risk management and banking has facilitated this development.

An omnichannel approach ensures a flexible Lidl gift card shopping experience: customers can now easily purchase cards with values of EUR 10, 20 and 50 from the Lidl gift card shop at www.lidl-geschenkkarte.de or, alternatively, in one of the numerous retail stores. They can then be redeemed online or in-store. Wirecard is also responsible for ensuring a secure activation process for gift cards purchased online. Buyers initiate this process on receipt of the card.

Wirecard has already been working successfully with Lidl since mid-2013.

Christian Reindl, Executive Vice President Sales Consumer Goods at Wirecard: 'We are delighted to now be in a position to offer gift cards online. The Lidl gift cards we have been issuing for years are becoming increasingly popular among consumers. For retailers, they represent an additional customer service and a stronger connection to customers. This means that everybody wins.'

Lidl's and Wirecard's collaboration is reflective of current consumer purchasing behaviour. The latest EHI study 'Card-supported payment systems in retail 2017' backs this up: according to the EHI's calculations, retail sales using gift cards amount to around EUR 3 billion in Germany. In total, 90% of the large retailers and 45% of the medium-sized companies surveyed operate their own gift card schemes.

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