West Coast grocers leveraging Blackhawk’s Online Commerce Services platform to enhance online gift card programs

New Seasons Market has expanded its partnership with global branded payments provider Blackhawk Network to enhance the online gift card programs for its West Coast neighborhood grocers, New Seasons Market and New Leaf Community Markets. Powered by Blackhawk Network’s Online Commerce Services, company-branded physical and digital gift cards are now available on newseasonsmarket.com and newleaf.com, offering consumers a seamless eCommerce experience that delivers gift cards right to shoppers’ doors or inboxes.

“We were looking to optimize and extend the reach of our digital gift card program while also providing a user-friendly experience for our customers. After seeing the success of Blackhawk’s programs as an existing distribution partner, expanding to include management of our digital gifting programs was a natural fit,” said Erica Racette, eCommerce Director at New Seasons. “Through this partnership, Blackhawk’s eCommerce platform has allowed us to make enhancements and reinvigorate our digital gifting programs.”

According to Blackhawk Network sales data, merchant online gift card programs have seen near triple digital growth over the last two years. As consumers continue the slow return to some pre-pandemic behaviors, interest in digital gifting options has remained high.

“In addition to being one of the most requested gifts year after year for multiple occasions, over the last two years, gift cards and egifts— for grocery in particular— have been leveraged by customers more than ever,” said Steve Dekker, Managing Director, Americas, Blackhawk Network. “Consumers’ increasing interest in gifting options combined with the ease of gift cards to offer support or thank others during challenging times have made it essential to be able to easily engage with gift card users wherever they are. Our proven platforms give New Seasons Markets and New Leaf Community Markets the ability to expand their visibility and reach while still providing the enhanced experience many customers have grown to expect.”

Blackhawk’s gift card program management will include executing elements such as inventory management, card distribution, marketing and promotions. For more information about Blackhawk’s capabilities, visit blackhawknetwork.com.

About Blackhawk Network

Blackhawk Network delivers branded payment solutions through the prepaid products, technologies and network that connect brands and people. We collaborate with our partners to innovate, translating market trends in branded payments to increase reach, loyalty and revenue. We reliably execute security-minded solutions worldwide. Join us as we shape the future of global branded payments. Learn more at blackhawknetwork.com.

About New Seasons Market

New Seasons Market is a friendly neighborhood grocery store that believes great-tasting, local food has the power to build community and enhance lives. From taking care of our staff, partners, neighborhoods and the environment, to growing a sustainable business, we’re doing what we love with a commitment to cultivate a strong community centered around food. Founded in 2000 by three families and 50 friends in Portland, OR, we’re now a team of nearly 3,500 passionate staff across 19 stores in Oregon, Washington and Northern California—serving a unique mix of locally sourced and organic items, classic grocery favorites, and chef-made grab and go meal solutions. We’re proud of our progressive values—from offering industry-leading compensation and benefits, to committing 10 percent of our after-tax profits to the communities we serve. For more information, visit www.newseasonsmarket.com.

About New Leaf Community Markets

An organic and natural grocer with five stores along the Central Coast, New Leaf Community Markets has been serving the community for 35 years. New Leaf is committed to offering customers foods and products that have the most beneficial impact on their health and the health of the environment. Helping customers make informed decisions is an integral part of this commitment. A wholly owned subsidiary of New Seasons Market since November 2013, New Leaf Community Markets is the first grocer in California to achieve B Corporation certification, which means that New Leaf uses the power of business to solve social and economic problems. New Leaf’s mission, to nourish and sustain our community, is reflected in the 10 percent of profits given annually to support local nonprofits working to improve the quality of life. Connect at: www.newleaf.com.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20220526005293/en/