Hyatt Gift Cards Coming To A Grocery Store Near You

Early last week, Blackhawk Technologies, the company behind ReloadIT, PayPower, GiftCardMall, GoWallet, GiftCardLab, CardZone, their acquisition of CardPool, and a Visa Buxx flavor called “Buxx” announced a partnership with Hyatt to sell gift cards in supermarkets likely through the GiftCardMall subsidiary.

Hyatt Hotels and Resorts Selects Blackhawk Network As Preferred

Hyatt Hotels and Resorts Selects Blackhawk Network As Preferred Third-Party Gift Card Partner

Hyatt gift cards are available at Ahold USA, Giant Eagle, Kroger and Safeway locations across the United States

PLEASANTON, Calif., Dec. 23, 2014 – Blackhawk Network, a leading prepaid and payments network, announced today that it has partnered with Hyatt Hotels and Resorts to serve as the global hospitality company’s third-party gift card distributor. As part of the agreement, Blackhawk will provide national distribution of Hyatt gift cards.

“The decision to partner with Blackhawk Network was an easy one,” said Todd Tomlin, manager of Hyatt Gift Cards at Hyatt. “They provide a superior experience and have the physical and digital distribution capabilities that ensure our gift card is available to an unparalleled number of consumers.”

With Blackhawk’s distribution network, Hyatt gift cards are now offered at approximately 5,000 locations including Ahold USA, Giant Eagle, Kroger and Safeway stores. They will also be available as e-gifts through Amazon and giftcardmall.com starting this holiday season.

“We are excited to work closely with such a highly regarded hospitality brand – Hyatt Hotels and Resorts,” said David Tate, Blackhawk Network senior vice president, products and marketing. “Hyatt is the latest travel and hospitality brand to expand their gift card offerings with Blackhawk. As we continue to grow this category, we’re excited to offer consumers even more variety and convenience, making access to Hyatt gift cards just a store trip away.”

Hyatt gift cards will be available in denominations ranging from $15 – $500 and can be applied toward eligible purchases at participating Hyatt Hotels and Resorts in the U.S., Canada and the Caribbean. The cards can be redeemed at Hyatt hotels, restaurants and spas.

The play here is waiting for your grocery store to put gift card purchases on sale. That could be an instant discount, my favorite kind, or like the one that I wrote about last year where A&P ran an promo for future discounts. Obviously, you want to use a grocery store bonus credit card when you make these kind of purchases. As with all gift card churns, you need to keep in mind the rates and what is a worthwhile churn or not.

Also keep in mind, if Hyatt gift cards are added to the rack, it likely won’t be the best card to resell. It’d be in the middle of the pack – depending on the season it’d be a comparable sale to a Home Depot or Lowe’s gift card churn, in the mid 80%.