University Grill in south Fort Myers is using its sign to promote their gift certificates. The manager of the restaurant said the certificates have been increasingly popular among customers looking for something different to give this holiday season.
Holiday shopping is in full swing and shoppers are running around trying to figure out what to buy their loved ones.
The problem is that sometimes grandma's hand-knit sweater, a funky tie or office plant just won't be the hit of the party.
That's why area businesses are offering gift cards and certificates that are gaining popularity, especially among procrastinating shoppers.
"They are very popular and we sell a ton of them," said Richard Zander, the manager at University Grill in south Fort Myers. The restaurant has been advertising its gift certificates on its sign for a few weeks. "It's hard to find things for your parents or those people who have everything."
Zander has seen the demand for certificates soar as gifters look for something different that won't just sit on the mantle and collect dust.
"It's a great gift because if they eat somewhere often ... you know they will like it and they can go enjoy a nice time out," Zander said, adding that some out-of-state customers order the certificates over the phone. "Some people have been here and then decide to buy a meal for their families."
Rib City is asking its customers to turn plastic into pork this holiday season with a promotion fit for the gifter and the recipient.
"If someone purchases $100 worth of gift certificates, they get $10 on their next visit," said Beth Watson, the director of marketing who oversees all the promotions for the area barbeque chain. "It's a little incentive to get a discount off your own personal meal ... it's been popular so far."
The popularity of the cards, Watson said, may be attributed to the convenience of the cards.
"In this electronic age we are in, gift cards are easier and you can use it as a credit card," said Watson adding that Rib City has never focused so much on promoting its gift cards until now."
The incentive to buy cards is good for customers who visit the restaurant often.
"We give them $10 barbeque bucks back and they can use it between the date of purchase and Jan. 31, 2008," said Watson about the cards being sold at 13 Florida locations. "It's not paper and they don't get lost because you put them in your wallet."
Gift certificates also make it easier for shoppers who want to give their spouses something from a specific place but aren't sure what.
"I find it's popular with the husbands and boyfriends because they know their (women) like to come and get their hair done and they get to pay for that little treat," said Patty Chafatelli, the manager at Indulgence Salon in south Fort Myers, adding that some give gift cards as a way to introduce a hair stylist to a friend.
"We get a lot of people who buy them for their moms who get facials and it's an hour of relaxation and pleasure."
Relaxation may not be on everyone's list this month, so the Omni Club in south Fort Myers is offering gift cards for the fit at heart.
"A lot of them buy one- to three-month memberships because they aren't sure of the commitment but they are widely popular," said Kari Fundingsland, the club's fitness director.
Fundingsland has also seen Omni dollars flying into members accounts as people walk in and gift money that can be used at the 6,000-member club.
"We've sold a lot more of them this year than last ... it's safer to put money on a member's account and they can use it whenever," she said. "Gift cards are popular because it's a gift with more options."
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