Kroger to Launch Gift-Card Program

Cincinnati, The Kroger Co. has executed an agreement with Blackhawk Network to bring the company’s Gift Card Mall—a third-party gift-card program—to the supermarket chain’s customer base. Announced Tuesday, the program’s launch is timed to coincide with the holiday season. The program includes more than 100 retail-branded gift cards.

Kroger said it plans to support the launch of the new Gift Card Malls with aggressive marketing campaigns that include television, radio and in-store promotions. Kroger will display Blackhawk Network’s gift cards on end caps and at check stands.

Kroger also operates 780 convenience stores that will feature Blackhawk Network’s gift cards in late 2008.

Blackhawk Network is a subsidiary of Safeway Inc.