Thanksgiving Weekend Boosts Restaurant Gift Card Sales Significantly

Gift Card Sales Surge During Thanksgiving Weekend

As the holiday shopping season kicks off, recent findings indicate that restaurant gift card sales witnessed a remarkable increase during the Thanksgiving weekend. According to new data from Paytronix, a leader in digital engagement for the hospitality industry, customers spent 13.2 percent more per card on Black Friday compared to previous years, highlighting a shift in consumer behavior.

Trends in Consumer Spending

This year, shoppers were not just purchasing more gift cards; they were also investing larger amounts in their purchases. Over the Thanksgiving weekend, total spending amounted to $17.5 million in gift cards, showcasing an impressive increase from the previous year's $15.8 million. The number of cards sold also rose significantly, jumping to 338.5 thousand from 316.7 thousand in 2023. These statistics signal a renewed confidence in dining experiences, reflecting a shift back to enjoyment in face-to-face interactions.

In-Person Dining Experiences Gain Popularity

This growing appetite for dining out is clearly demonstrated by the spending patterns observed during the holiday period, with total dollars spent on gift cards for full-service restaurants (FSR) reaching $12.3 million compared to $5.2 million spent on quick-service restaurants (QSR). Interestingly, on average, consumers loaded $66 on FSR cards while only loading $31 on QSR cards, indicating a preference for experiential dining over fast food during the holidays.

Black Friday Trends

The trend towards buying gift cards earlier in the holiday shopping season aligns with the observation that shoppers were flocking to restaurants with gift card promotions starting as early as two weeks before Thanksgiving. Lee Barnes, Chief Data Officer at Paytronix, notes that the data illustrates a strategic timing shift, where brands aimed to capitalize on the influx of shoppers on Black Friday and throughout the Thanksgiving weekend.

Sales Data Comparison

Upon reviewing the entire four-day holiday period, sales revealed a 10 percent increase in consumer spending, with a six percent rise in the total number of cards sold compared to the same weekend in 2023. The average amount loaded onto all types of gift cards was also higher this year, at $57 on Black Friday, compared to $49 over the weekend and $47 on Cyber Monday. This substantial increase suggests that consumers are not only eager to purchase gift cards but are willing to invest more in their holiday gifting.

Methodology of Data Collection

The data analyzed for these findings comes from Paytronix's Thanksgiving Holiday Card Sales Research. It focuses on trends in closed-loop restaurant gift card sales recorded over the four-day weekend. The 2024 data includes insights from 366 brands compared to 351 brands in 2023, showing extensive participation and engagement in the gift card market.

About Paytronix and Its Impact

Paytronix serves as a robust digital engagement platform tailored for the hospitality sector. It offers a range of services including loyalty programs, online ordering, gift card solutions, and valuable insights to over 1,800 prominent restaurant and convenience store brands. Across 50,000 sites globally, Paytronix enhances customer experiences by creating personalized and authentic interactions, further aiding businesses’ growth and customer retention. For years, Paytronix has been viewed as a trusted ally for brands looking to maximize guest value and bolster profitability.

Frequently Asked Questions

What led to the increase in gift card sales this Thanksgiving?

The increase can be attributed to brands promoting their gift cards earlier, attracting shoppers with better promotions on Black Friday and throughout the Thanksgiving weekend.

How much did consumers spend on restaurant gift cards?

During the Thanksgiving weekend, consumers spent a total of $17.5 million on restaurant gift cards, indicating a strong preference for gifting experiences.

Are full-service restaurant gift cards more popular than quick-service?

Yes, the data highlights that consumers spent more on full-service restaurant gift cards, averaging $66 loaded, compared to only $31 for quick-service options.

What methodology was used to gather this gift card sales data?

The data was collected through the Paytronix Thanksgiving Holiday Card Sales Research, focusing on closed-loop sales from numerous restaurant brands.

How does Paytronix assist in the hospitality sector?

Paytronix provides digital engagement solutions that include loyalty programs, gift card management, and strategic insights to enhance customer interaction and retention.

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