PLEASANTON, CA – September 1, 2010 – Blackhawk Network, a leading provider of prepaid and financial payments products for consumers and businesses, today announced that MYPLASH MasterCard® prepaid gift cards commemorating The Twilight Saga: Eclipse are available at local grocers across the U.S., including Safeway, Albertsons LLC, Meijer, and Jewel Foods. Consumers will be able to give their friends and family MYPLASH MasterCard prepaid gift cards customized with images of everyone’s favorite characters in the Twilight series: Bella, Edward and Jacob. The Twilight movie franchise has grossed over $1.4 billion in worldwide box office ticket sales to date.

“Blackhawk Network is excited to be a part of the Twilight phenomenon by offering our customers The Twilight Saga: Eclipse themed gift cards in our Gift Card Mall,” said Talbott Roche, senior vice president of Blackhawk Network. “We are continually looking for ways to provide consumers with new and fun prepaid products, so this partnership with MYPLASH and Summit Entertainment’s TWILIGHT film franchise is a perfect fit.”

Featuring images of the most popular characters from The Twilight Saga: Eclipse, the cards will be available in denominations ranging from $20 to $500. Additional card designs are scheduled to be released this summer. MYPLASH MasterCard prepaid gift cards can be used anywhere Debit MasterCard cards are accepted. The cards are issued by MetaBank™ pursuant to license by MasterCard International Incorporated. MasterCard is a registered trademark of MasterCard International Incorporated.

About Plastic Cash International, Inc. and MYPLASH Teen Prepaid:

Co-branded with MasterCard and sold online, and in thousands of retail locations nationwide, MYPLASH has distinguished itself from competing prepaid cards with unparalleled distribution, product offerings and consumer loyalty, as well as establishing a way to connect with teenagers. As teens and young adults continue to turn to online outlets for their shopping, banking and gaming, MYPLASH helps to make these activities and purchases safer and easier by maintaining all the advantages of using cash or a checking account, without the associated risks.  MYPLASH cards are not linked to personal bank accounts or sensitive information, therefore eliminating overdraft fees, negative balance charges and the risk of identity theft. With exclusive branded content and discounts, MYPLASH truly connects with teens and young adults in a “cool” and relevant way. For parents, MYPLASH finally delivers increased security and convenience with a fresh way to get teens to pay attention to, and manage their finances. MYPLASH Prepaid Cards are developed and marketed by Plastic Cash International, Inc., the largest teen branded prepaid card company in the world. Find out more about MYPLASH MasterCard Prepaid Cards at www.myplash.com. Follow us on Twitter @MYPLASH.

About the Twilight film series

The Twilight film series stars Kristen Stewart and Robert Pattinson and tells the story of 17-year-old Bella Swan who moves to the small town of Forks, Washington to live with her father, and becomes drawn to Edward Cullen, a pale, mysterious classmate who seems determined to push her away. But neither can deny the attraction that pulls them together…even when Edward confides that he and his family are vampires. The action-packed, modern day vampire love story Twilight, the first film in the series, was released in theatres on November 21, 2008 to a blockbuster reception. The second installment of the film franchise, The Twilight Saga: New Moon was released November 20, 2009. The franchise has grossed over $1.1 billion in worldwide box office ticket sales to date.

About Summit Entertainment, LLC

Summit Entertainment, LLC is a worldwide theatrical motion picture development, financing, production and distribution studio. The studio handles all aspects of marketing and distribution for both its own internally developed motion pictures as well as acquired pictures. Summit Entertainment, LLC also represents international sales for both its own slate and third party product. Summit Entertainment, LLC releases on average 10 to 12 films annually.

About Blackhawk Network

Blackhawk Network, a subsidiary of Safeway Inc., is a leading provider of prepaid and financial payments products for consumers and businesses. The company’s Gift Card Mall™ offers the industry’s most popular prepaid gift card and telecom products. Gift Card Mall reaches more than 165 million people each week through an exclusive network of leading grocery, big box, convenience, drug, and specialty stores and is available through Internet retailers including GiftCardMall.com. Blackhawk Network’s business solutions include reward and incentive programs that offer choice and flexibility through a wide array of card brands, custom designed Visa^® prepaid cards and fulfillment options.

Headquartered in Pleasanton, California, Blackhawk Network Inc. has offices in the United States, Australia, Canada, France, Japan, Mexico and the United Kingdom.  For more information about Blackhawk Network visit www.blackhawknetwork.com and www.giftcardmall.com  

Follow us on Twitter http://twitter.com/GCMall  and on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/giftcardmall

PLEASANTON, CA – August 31, 2010 – Blackhawk Network, a leading provider of prepaid and financial payments products for consumers and businesses, today announced the expansion of the Reload Network. The network includes the new Reloadit Pack, which expands Blackhawk’s proven capabilities in prepaid innovation, offering the most convenient solution for consumers to reload their prepaid cards.

The Reloadit Pack is a safe and easy alternative to using cash to reload and transfer funds onto Blackhawk Network and third party partners’ prepaid debit cards. Consumers can purchase the Reloadit Pack in Blackhawk Network’s alliance partner locations across the U.S. The products are featured on dedicated standalone end caps with multiple facings and signage as part of the Prepaid Center.

“Blackhawk strives to build products based on the consumers’ wants and needs,” said Talbott Roche, senior vice president at Blackhawk Network. “In the current economic climate consumers more than ever are looking at payment and banking alternatives and the prepaid cards and loading options offered by Blackhawk and our Reloadit network partners meet many of their needs.  By now offering the Reloadit Network we are expanding our ability to better support them.”

The Reloadit Pack is available at grocery stores across the country, such as Safeway Albertsons LLC, A&P, Pathmark, Food Lion, and Giant Eagle. Consumers can follow the steps below to use their card:

1. Visit www.reloadit.com
2. Provide the card account number and Reloadit Pack scratch off number to transfer the purchased load amount to their prepaid card.

The Reloadit Pack features easy-to-follow instructions in English and Spanish. The use of the Reloadit Pack will continue to grow to fit the needs and demands of customers as Blackhawk Network continues to expand the network.

About Blackhawk Network

Blackhawk Network, a subsidiary of Safeway Inc., is a leading provider of prepaid and financial payments products for consumers and businesses. The company’s Gift Card Mall™ offers the industry’s most popular prepaid gift card and telecom products. Gift Card Mall reaches more than 165 million people each week through an exclusive network of leading grocery, big box, convenience, drug, and specialty stores and is available through Internet retailers including GiftCardMall.com. Blackhawk Network’s business solutions include reward and incentive programs that offer choice and flexibility through a wide array of card brands, custom designed Visa^® prepaid cards and fulfillment options.

Headquartered in Pleasanton, California, Blackhawk Network Inc. has offices in the United States, Australia, Canada, France, Japan, Mexico and the United Kingdom.  For more information about Blackhawk Network visit www.blackhawknetwork.com and www.giftcardmall.com

Follow us on Twitter http://twitter.com/GCMall and on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/giftcardmall

PLEASANTON, CA – August 23, 2010 – Blackhawk Network, a leading provider of prepaid and financial payments products for consumers and businesses, today announced a new brand of prepaid products, PayPower. PayPower is a suite of prepaid products and services designed to help consumers stay in control of spending with simple and safe solutions that provide value, transparency and budgeting. The suite of products is targeted to consumers looking for alternatives to traditional financial credit, whether for everyday use, travel, online purchases or simply to pay a bill. Consumers can turn their cash into a debit card at thousands of retailers nationwide and easily reload through Blackhawk’s vast reload network.

“Consumers with little or no access to traditional checking, savings, or credit cards are forced to rely on expensive and limited resources to address their everyday financial needs,” said Talbott Roche, senior vice president of Blackhawk Network. “The PayPower product suite is an alternative that is safer than cash, affordable, simple to understand, and creates the real utility that consumers deserve.”

Consumers can choose to have their PayPower card personalized and can use it immediately after purchase. PayPower is competitively offered at $3.95 with a $3.95 reload fee, free customer service, free direct deposit and free bill payment services. Cards are issued by MetaBank™.   

“We are committed to offering our cardholders value and convenience, and an easier way to manage their money,” said Roche. “Consumers will be able to reload their PayPower cards in tens of thousands of leading grocery stores across the U.S.” 

PayPower cards are Visa-branded and can be used wherever Visa Debit cards are accepted.

“Prepaid cards are a great option for millions of consumers. In a 2009 study by Bretton Woods we found that a consumer who chooses a prepaid card instead of a basic bank account with direct deposit can save close to $150 annually,” said Kirsten Trusko, president of the Network Branded Prepaid Card Association (NBPCA).

Blackhawk Network offers trusted solutions that help consumers gain access to long term, reasonably priced financial products. From reloadable prepaid cards to prepaid cell phones, Blackhawk Network attracts a vast and diverse consumer base, providing real solutions to meet consumers’ financial needs.

For more information please visit www.paypower.com

Follow PayPower on Facebook at www.facebook.com/pages/PayPower/401996774765

About Blackhawk Network

Blackhawk Network, a subsidiary of Safeway Inc., is a leading provider of prepaid and financial payments products for consumers and businesses. The company’s Gift Card Mall™ offers the industry’s most popular prepaid gift card and telecom products. Gift Card Mall reaches more than 165 million people each week through an exclusive network of leading grocery, big box, convenience, drug, and specialty stores and is available through Internet retailers including GiftCardMall.com. Blackhawk Network’s business solutions include reward and incentive programs that offer choice and flexibility through a wide array of card brands, custom designed Visa^® prepaid cards and fulfillment options.

Headquartered in Pleasanton, California, Blackhawk Network Inc. has offices in the United States, Australia, Canada, France, Japan, Mexico and the United Kingdom.  For more information about Blackhawk Network visit www.blackhawknetwork.com and www.giftcardmall.com  

Follow us on Twitter http://twitter.com/GCMall  and on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/giftcardmall

In conjunction with this move, William Y. Tauscher will assume the position of chief executive officer.  Tauscher brings his substantial business experience to Blackhawk Network as the company moves into a new phase of growth and operations.  Tauscher, formerly Blackhawk’s executive chairman, has served as managing member of the Tauscher Group, a company that invests and assists in the management of enterprises involved with home products, transportation, telecommunications and real estate. Tauscher’s proven track record includes taking companies the size of Blackhawk Network and growing them into large successful entities.

About Blackhawk Network

Blackhawk Network is a leading provider of prepaid and financial payments products for consumers and businesses. The company’s Gift Card Mall™ offers the industry’s most popular prepaid gift card and telecom products. Gift Card Mall reaches more than 165 million people each week through an exclusive network of leading grocery, big box, convenience, drug, and specialty stores and is available through Internet retailers including GiftCardMall.com. Blackhawk Network’s business solutions include reward and incentive programs that offer choice and flexibility through a wide array of card brands, custom designed Visa® prepaid cards and fulfillment options.

Headquartered in Pleasanton, California, Blackhawk Network has offices in the United States, Australia, Canada, France, Japan, Mexico and the United Kingdom.  For more information about Blackhawk Network visit www.blackhawknetwork.com and www.giftcardmall.com

]]> http://www.blackhawknetwork.com/blackhawk-network-announces-management-changes.html/feed 0 http://www.blackhawknetwork.com/almost-50-of-gift-card-shoppers-wait-until-the-last-minute-to-purchase-a-gift-2.html http://www.blackhawknetwork.com/almost-50-of-gift-card-shoppers-wait-until-the-last-minute-to-purchase-a-gift-2.html#comments Tue, 10 Aug 2010 15:58:40 +0000 blackhawk-news http://www.blackhawknetwork.com/?p=915
GiftCardMall.com Expands eGift Card Offering to include More Brand Partners

PLEASANTON, CA – August 10, 2010 – Blackhawk Network, leading provider of prepaid and financial payments products for consumers and businesses, today announced that the selection of eGift Cards (gift cards delivered by email) available on GiftCardMall.com has expanded to include many new brands such as The Home Depot®, Sephora, Legal Sea Foods and Justice.

The demand for quality and unique last-minute gift cards is high. Results from a recent Blackhawk Network U.S. Gift Card Study showed that almost half of those who bought gift cards in the last year say they tend to shop for gifts at the last minute.

“Our launch of eGift Cards has proven to be popular with shoppers on GiftCardMall.com,” said Talbott Roche, senior vice president of Blackhawk Network. “By expanding our eGift Card program, we’re providing consumers with the added convenience of being able to shop online and send a gift within hours, which is an ideal solution to their last-minute shopping needs.”

With U.S. online gift card sales projected to hit $5.86 billion in 2014, according to Javelin Strategy & Research, the expansion of eGift Cards on GiftCardMall.com comes just as consumers are increasingly turning to online channels to make their gift card purchases.

“Remembering to honor someone with a gift is more thoughtful than presenting a belated gift or forgetting the occasion altogether,” said Shelley Hunter, creator of GiftCardGirlfriend.com. “Using eGift Cards, consumers can still deliver a thoughtful gift in a timely fashion. I particularly like virtual gift cards for out-of-town friends and family because I can send a gift easily and not have to pay for postage.”

Many popular brands are now available as eGift Cards on GiftCardMall.com. Additional cards are slated to be available later this year in time for holiday shoppers. eGift Cards are received by email and can be printed out and redeemed in-store at participating retailers or redeemed online.

For more information, please visit www.giftcardmall.com.

About Blackhawk Network

Blackhawk Network is a leading provider of prepaid and financial payments products for consumers and businesses. The company’s Gift Card Mall™ offers the industry’s most popular prepaid gift card and telecom products. Gift Card Mall reaches more than 165 million people each week through an exclusive network of leading grocery, big box, convenience, drug, and specialty stores and is available through Internet retailers including GiftCardMall.com. Blackhawk Network’s business solutions include reward and incentive programs that offer choice and flexibility through a wide array of card brands, custom designed Visa® prepaid cards and fulfillment options.

Headquartered in Pleasanton, California, Blackhawk Network Inc. has offices in the United States, Australia, Canada, France, Japan, Mexico and the United Kingdom.  For more information about Blackhawk Network visit www.blackhawknetwork.com and www.giftcardmall.com

Blackhawk Network’s Gift Card Offerings Now Includes the Benefits of Receiving AIR MILES® reward miles

PLEASANTON, CA – July 26, 2010 – Blackhawk Network, leading provider of prepaid and financial payments products for consumers and businesses, today announced the ability to earn AIR MILES® reward miles with gift card purchases from the company’s Gift Card Store. Consumers buying gift cards at their local Canadian Safeway stores will earn one reward mile for every $20 of gift cards purchased within a single transaction.

“Not only are consumers finding gift cards to be the perfect gift of choice but they’re also seeing the benefits with self use,” said Talbott Roche, senior vice president of Blackhawk Network. “And now consumers can travel sooner simply by using gift cards to purchase items they already need and use frequently. For example, consumers who purchase gift cards first at Safeway will be able to collect AIR MILES reward miles before shopping at their favorite stores.”

Consumers can choose from a selection of over 70 retailers and restaurants that are available in Blackhawk Network’s Gift Card Store locations. The promotion excludes Safeway gift cards and other exclusions may apply. The offer cannot be combined with AIR MILES Coupons or Customer Appreciation Day.

For more information please visit www.blackhawknetwork.com.

About Blackhawk Network

Blackhawk Network is a leading provider of prepaid and financial payments products for consumers and businesses. The company’s Gift Card Mall™ offers the industry’s most popular prepaid gift card and telecom products. Gift Card Mall reaches more than 165 million people each week through an exclusive network of leading grocery, big box, convenience, drug, and specialty stores and is available through Internet retailers including GiftCardMall.com. Blackhawk Network’s business solutions include reward and incentive programs that offer choice and flexibility through a wide array of card brands, custom designed Visa® prepaid cards and fulfillment options.

Headquartered in Pleasanton, California, Blackhawk Network Inc. has offices in the United States, Australia, Canada, France, Japan, Mexico and the United Kingdom.  For more information about Blackhawk Network visit www.blackhawknetwork.com and www.giftcardmall.com.

Popular Gifting Website Recognized for Leadership in Financial Services

PLEASANTON, CA – July 1, 2010 – Blackhawk Network, a leading provider of prepaid and financial payments products for consumers and businesses today announced that GiftCardMall.com is the winner of a Stevie Award for Web Site or Blog – Financial Services at the 2010 American Business Awards.

“At Blackhawk Network, we are always looking to provide new and innovative gift products for consumers,” said Talbott Roche, senior vice president of Blackhawk Network. “Our e-gift card and customizable gift card features on GiftCardMall.com have proven to be popular throughout the past year, and we look forward to continuing to find ways to enhance the consumer experience on the site.”

More than 200 executives across the country participated in the judging process to determine the Finalists and Stevie Award winners. Presented in over 40 categories, the Stevie Awards include Best Overall Company of the Year, Executive of the Year, and Corporate Social Responsibility Program of the Year.  Organizations of all sizes and in virtually every industry are considered.  

The awards were presented during ceremonies at the Marriott Marquis Hotel in New York City.  The ceremonies were hosted by Cheryl Casone of Fox Business Network and broadcast nationwide on radio by the Business TalkRadio Network.  

Details regarding The American Business Awards and lists of all honorees are available at www.stevieawards.com/aba. 

About Blackhawk Network

Blackhawk Network is a leading provider of prepaid and financial payments products for consumers and businesses. The company’s Gift Card Mall™ offers the industry’s most popular prepaid gift card and telecom products. Gift Card Mall reaches more than 165 million people each week through an exclusive network of leading grocery, mass, convenience, drug, and specialty stores and is available through Internet retailers including GiftCardMall.com. Blackhawk Network’s business solutions include reward and incentive programs that offer choice and flexibility through a wide array of card brands and custom designed Visa and MasterCard fulfillment options.

Themed World Cup™ Gift Cards Available to Soccer Fans Nationwide

PLEASANTON, CA  (June 11, 2010)   Blackhawk Network, a leading provider of prepaid and financial payments products for consumers and businesses today announced that Visa gift cards commemorating the 2010 FIFA World Cup™ are available on GiftCardMall.com for the first time in the U.S. Consumers will be able to give their favorite soccer fans gift cards customized with images celebrating the thrill, energy and excitement of the FIFA World Cup. Cards are now available for purchase on GiftCardMall.com, the company’s award-winning gifting website.

“We are proud to be partnering with Visa to offer these FIFA World Cup themed gift cards to the millions of soccer fans and players across the country,” said Talbott Roche, senior vice president of Blackhawk Network. “This is yet another example of how we strive to deliver gift products that excite and delight consumers, and that offer a unique and personal experience for those receiving the gift cards.”

These cards are now available, just in time for the 2010 FIFA World Cup, which begins on June 11th in South Africa.

Featuring images of the excitement and spirit of South Africa hosting the 2010 FIFA World Cup, the cards will be available in denominations ranging from $20 to $500 and can be used anywhere Visa debit cards are accepted electronically. Cards issued by MetaBank™.

About Blackhawk Network

Blackhawk Network is a leading provider of prepaid and financial payments products for consumers and businesses. The company’s Gift Card Mall™ offers the industry’s most popular prepaid gift card and telecom products. Gift Card Mall reaches more than 165 million people each week through an exclusive network of leading grocery, mass, convenience, drug, and specialty stores and is available through Internet retailers including GiftCardMall.com. Blackhawk Network’s business solutions include reward and incentive programs that offer choice and flexibility through a wide array of card brands and custom designed Visa and MasterCard fulfillment options.

Headquartered in Pleasanton, California, Blackhawk Network, Inc. has offices in the United States, Australia, Canada, France and the United Kingdom. For more information about Blackhawk Network visit www.blackhawknetwork.com and www.giftcardmall.com.

Follow us on Twitter http://twitter.com/GCMall and on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/GiftCardMall.

Contact:
Meghan Fintland  
MWW Group  
415-262-5951 (office) 
415-202-4339 (mobile) 
mfintland@mww.com

Fourth Annual Hawk Awards Given to Leading Retailers and Individuals

PLEASANTON, CA (May 25, 2010)   Blackhawk Network, leading provider of prepaid and financial payments products for consumers and businesses, announced the results of the fourth annual Hawk Awards. The awards, which are given by Blackhawk Network, honor leaders in the prepaid card industry. Winners were announced at the Annual Hawk Awards Dinner at the JW Marriott Hotel in Phoenix, Arizona. The Hawk Awards are awarded to industry leaders in five key areas: Overall Gift Card Program, Card Design, Marketing and Promotion, Industry Achievement, and Product Innovation. 

“Every year, we recognize partners for being leaders in the prepaid industry and helping the industry grow through their contributions,” said Donald Kingsborough, president and chief executive officer of Blackhawk Network. “This year, the companies and individuals that have been honored have truly set a new standard for leadership and innovation within the industry and been a key factor in the success of Gift Card Mall™.”

The Hawk Awards honor the achievements of the following leaders in the prepaid industry in selected categories:

Best Card Design: Amazon.com
The Best Card Design Award honors the top card design within the prepaid card category that truly stands out among the rest. Amazon.com’s design was recognized for using bold colors, effective use of branding and clean design.

Best Promotional Program: iTunes
The Best Promotional Program Award honors the best promotional or marketing program featuring a prepaid card product. iTunes program was recognized for being a strategic and creative campaign that effectively incorporated the use of a relevant product tie-in through promotions and marketing.

Industry Achievement: Applebee’s Bridget Mohen
The Industry Achievement Award honors the individual or organization making the greatest contribution to the advancement of the gift card industry. Applebee’s Bridget Mohen was recognized as a true leader in the prepaid industry.

Most Innovative Product or Service: The Home Depot
The Most Innovative Product or Service Award honors the prepaid product or service that is considered to be ground-breaking in the industry. The Home Depot’s Interactive gift card experience was recognized for being a forward-thinking service. Leveraging augmented reality technology, consumers use a Web cam and their gift card to receive suggested products in 3D on their computer.

Alliance Partner – Best Marketing and Promotional Program: The Kroger Co
The Alliance Partner – Best Marketing and Promotional Program Award honors a highly creative and strategic marketing campaign that effectively showcases the use of prepaid. The Kroger Co was recognized for their Mega Events.

Alliance Partner – Best Overall Gift Card Program: Giant Eagle
The Alliance Partner – Best Overall Gift Card Program Award recognizes the partner that has best demonstrated the execution of a successful gift card program. Giant Eagle was recognized for setting the standard in gift card programs with their industry-leading program.

About Blackhawk Network
Blackhawk Network is a leading provider of prepaid and financial payments products for consumers and businesses. The company’s Gift Card Mall™ offers the industry’s most popular prepaid gift card and telecom products. Gift Card Mall reaches more than 165 million people each week through an exclusive network of leading grocery, big box, convenience, drug, and specialty stores and is available through Internet retailers including GiftCardMall.com. Blackhawk Network’s business solutions include reward and incentive programs that offer choice and flexibility through a wide array of card brands, custom designed Visa® prepaid cards and fulfillment options.

Headquartered in Pleasanton, California, Blackhawk Network Inc. has offices in the United States, Australia, Canada, France, Japan, Mexico and the United Kingdom.  For more information about Blackhawk Network visit www.blackhawknetwork.com and www.giftcardmall.com.

Please take notice of any expiry date applicable to the card. Card user should use all of the value of the card before the expiry date, if any, as card will be invalid after expiry date and unused value may be retained by the issuer and not refunded.

The terms will vary for each card issuer; please refer to terms for details about changes thereof. By purchasing or using a card you agree to the terms for that card. Purchaser should inform card user that user will be bound by the card terms.

The amount on the card cannot be increased after the card has been issued, except to reverse a non-cash payment in the case of a refund or to correct an error. Gift cards are not normally redeemable for cash.

Pending activation, cards may not be redeemable for up to 24 hours after purchase.

You will have certain rights under consumer protection and trade practices laws that cannot be excluded. Except for such rights, all other conditions or warranties implied at law are excluded.

All trademarks on any cards shown are the property of their respective owners and are used with their permission.

Visa cards can be used for purchases of goods and services where prepaid Visa cards are accepted and processed electronically (excluding cash and cash equivalent transactions at ATM’s over the counter at Financial Institutions and merchants and merchant groups who elect not to accept Visa prepaid gift cards)