Sheffield gift card platform sees 39% increase in online sales over Christmas

A Sheffield hospitality gift card platform has announced that it saw a “buoyant” performance over Christmas with an increase in digital sales.

Toggle, which provides gift cards for stores across the UK, saw digital sales increase by 39 per cent in December this year, despite total sales remaining level with 2019 at £1.3m.

In-venue sales accounted for around 8 per cent of overall sales in the period compared to 28 per cent during the previous year.

The Christmas period accounted for 29 per cent of Toggle’s sales for the entire year.

Dan Brookman, CEO of Toggle, commented: “We quadrupled the number of operators on Toggle over the last 12 months.

“There were some noticeable winners as far as revenue, and what we recognise is that consumers are still trusting the brands that they love.

“Retail and experiences will continue to drive up revenue growth. We now have licensed distribution for operators who are looking to package and sell alcohol.”

“Gifting in hospitality is still very early in its evolution. For operators to maximise the opportunity, it must become a revenue channel that’s part of the overall strategy. Gift cards provide an invaluable route to new customers and therefore brand engagement.”