Dots teams with First Data in eGift card program

Glenwillow, Ohio Women’s specialty apparel retailer Dots LLC said Wednesday that it has launched a social media application that allows customers to send a Dots gift card to their friends and family via Facebook or email.

The Dots eGift program is an extension of the retailer’s social media initiative, said Dots.

Dots teamed with payment processing provider First Data Corp. to launch the new gifting application through Facebook, allowing visitors to digitally send gift cards to friends or family. Unlike the traditional gift card, Dots’ eGift Card application allows users to send a code for a tangible gift card to any recipient’s Facebook or email, instantly redeemable in any of Dots 400+ locations.

“Social networks, among other virtual platforms, have brought a new dimension in how customers interact,” said Rick Bunka, president, Dots. “By offering Dots gift cards through this digital interface, we are extending the reach of Dots to customers who may not have the opportunity to shop one of our 400+ stores or at any of our participating grocers.”

From Dots’ web site or Facebook page, consumers can utilize the eGift application by selecting one or more friends to send gift cards to, either by adding them from Facebook or entering their email address. The senders then select the gift card monetary amount that they would like their friends to receive, add a personal message, and proceed through the checkout process.

Recipients receive a Facebook message or email delivering the eGift card with its associated redemption code. Following the instruction provided, the recipients can redeem their gift in any Dots store location.