Before 2018, The Body Shop (TBS) was not yet selling gift cards to customers via its website in any European market. Physical gift cards were only available to purchase in store and in malls. Also the lucrative B2B market had not been tapped.
Maximising new sales channels
TBS was keen to develop gift card channels in order to drive incremental sales. With a strong brand and obvious links to gifting and rewards, the opportunities were plentiful.
In order to make its gift card programme lean, efficient and rapidly saleable, TBS looked for a partner to help with expert advice, technology solutions and operational support. This is when Diggecard arrived on the scene!
New programmes launched in 2018
In 2018, with our support, TBS launched its expanded gift card programme, with the following elements managed by Diggecard:
■ Physical and digital online sales to consumers with a click through from The Body Shop’s website
■ Physical and digital delivery to consumers
■ B2B sales and marketing
■ B2B delivery
Sales of The Body Shop gift cards continue to go from strength to strength, with a +300% increase in sales in 2020 following the successful re-platforming of the UK gift card site in early 2020. This significantly improved the customer experience by delivering a personalised messaging functionality and timed digital delivery.
Expansion into Europe
In 2020, Diggecard helped TBS launch similar programmes in France, Germany and The Netherlands. This has been followed by further expansion into Spain and Australia in 2022.
New country roll out within 3 weeks
Adhering to an agreed template, Diggecard and TBS were able to roll out to each new country within 3 weeks. Our flexible approach ensured that technical difficulties could be overcome with expedient workarounds securing optimum trading conditions in the build up to Christmas.
Personalised messaging, timed delivery and self-service tools
TBS can offer customers the choice to include a personal message or video when they purchase a digital gift card. This functionality is included in the European rollout. Consumers are also able to purchase in advance of a special occasion and select a date and time for the gift card delivery.
The new Diggecard platform has delivered enhanced self-service tools, providing TBS with better control over customer service. TBS’ customer care team can access the enhanced Diggecard portal to manage key processes.
By partnering with Diggecard, TBS has been able to develop a range of gift card sales channels and this has delivered impressive results. By outsourcing this area of its business, TBS has been able to scale up to meet rapidly increasing demand.
Full B2B representation in the UK
As of January 2023, Diggecard now fully represents TBS across B2B in the UK. We will continue working together using a variety of tactics and initiatives to grow sales to new and existing business and agency customers who will use TBS gift cards for rewards, incentives, benefits and promotions. This development of our partnership demonstrates our ability to build trusting relationships with our clients who use our expertise and technology to maximise the opportunities within the gift card market.
Some kind words from The Body Shop
“Diggecard have played a vital role in helping The Body Shop maximise the many opportunities with gift cards, and our sales have grown as a result. Their support in our European rollout has seen our programme expand rapidly.”
If you are a large retailer or leisure/hospitality operator that is looking to explore the opportunities for growth in the gift card market, hopefully our partnership with The Body Shop will help you to trust our expertise and technology. Find out more about our services for retail, leisure and hospitality clients, or contact our team.
About The Body Shop
When The Body Shop first opened its doors in 1976, it was a little green-painted shop in the streets of Brighton, England. Its approach to beauty was radically different to the big players in the beauty industry. It was simple – ethically sourced and naturally-based ingredients from around the world, in no-nonsense packaging you could easily refill. Products and beauty rituals made for everybody to feel good in their skin – never promising to make them look like someone else.
