Dots Debuts eGift Card Program for Fashionistas

GLENWILLOW, Ohio, Nov. 3, 2010 /PRNewswire/ -- Dots, LLC, the national women's specialty apparel retailer, today launched a social media application that allows customers to send a Dots gift card to their friends and family via Facebook or email.  The Dots eGift program is an innovative extension of Dots social media initiative.  

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Dots teamed with First Data Corporation, a global payment processing leader, to offer a new gifting application through Facebook where fans of fashion can quickly, easily and digitally send gift cards to friends or family.  Unlike the traditional gift card, Dots' eGift Card application allows users to send a code for a tangible gift card to any recipient's Facebook or email, instantly redeemable in any of Dots 400+ locations.

"Social networks, among other virtual platforms, have brought a new dimension in how customers interact.  By offering Dots gift cards through this digital interface, we are extending the reach of Dots to customers who may not have the opportunity to shop one of our 400+ stores or at any of our participating grocers," said Rick Bunka, Dots President.  "Through eGifting technology, Dots customers will benefit from the convenience of being able to give or receive gift cards in the comfort of their own home or office."  

Dots is among the first brands in the retail industry to leverage this trend, linking its social media presence with consumer behavior to drive traffic to its stores. From Dots' web site or Facebook page, consumers can utilize the eGift application by selection one or more friends to send gift cards to, either by adding them from Facebook or entering their e-mail address. The senders then select the gift card monetary amount that they would like their friends to receive, add a personal message, and proceed through the checkout process.

Recipients receive a Facebook message or e-mail delivering the eGift card with its associated redemption code. Following the instruction provided, the recipients can redeem their gift in any Dots store location.

Inside Facebook has projected that the U.S. virtual goods market will reach $2.1 billion overall in 2011.  The First Data(SM) eGift Social(SM) solution takes this trend to the next level by moving purchased virtual gifts in to the physical world.  

"Technology has revolutionized the way people give and receive gifts, making it faster and easier to send friends and loved ones a gift for any reason, anytime, anywhere," said Dom Morea, First Data Division Manager of Mobile Commerce Solutions. "We're excited to partner with Dots as one of the first retailers to make eGifting a reality for their customers just in time for the gift giving season."

About Dots, LLC

Dots is a fashion apparel specialty store that offers fashion trends at exceptional prices and provides the latest high fashion runway trends interpreted for real people.  Dots' growth and success was founded on a passion for retail that stems from a belief that looking good shouldn't be expensive.  Today, the company is vibrant growth retailer with more than 400 stores within a 26 state footprint.  Visit Dots online at www.dots.com.

SOURCE Dots, LLC