July 6, 2010
First Data Corp. and Cold Stone Creamery announced they have teamed up to offer a new gifting application through Facebook. Starting today, loyal Cold Stone fans can now quickly and easily send a tangible "item-level" gift (e.g. ice cream Creations, shakes) to a friend or loved one's Facebook account or e-mail address.
Cold Stone Creamery, with more than 1,350 U.S. locations, is the first merchant to launch a gifting program using the First Data eGift Social solution.
"We're making it easier for people to share a Cold Stone moment, even if time or distance prevents them from being together. Now you don't have to wait for special occasions to share ice cream; you can send Cold Stone gifts instantly, any day, just because," said Daniel Beem, president of Cold Stone Creamery. "We're delighted to know that we'll be part of more of life's little moments, from 'get well soon' notes and rewards for a job well done to 'I miss you' wall posts."
Inside Facebook has estimated that consumers spent $10 million on virtual goods through applications on the Facebook platform in 2009. The eGift Social solution takes this trend to the next level by moving purchased virtual gifts into the physical world.
"Thanks to social networking sites, texting and the growing abundance of Web-enabled mobile devices, the way people interact as well as give and receive gifts is changing," said Dom Morea, First Data division manager of Mobile Commerce Solutions. "eGift Social lets consumers show appreciation for friends and family by giving affordable yet meaningful gifts in real time. We're thrilled to partner with Cold Stone and introduce this innovative, new eGifting technology to their customers."
Consumers access the First Data eGift Social application through Cold Stone's Facebook page or website and select one or multiple friends to send gifts to, either by adding them from Facebook or entering their e-mail address. The sender selects which product they would like their friend to receive, adds a personal message and proceeds through the secure checkout process.
The recipient receives a Facebook message, e-mail or both, with an alert that they have received a gift, the account number and redemption instructions. Visiting any participating Cold Stone location, the recipient redeems the eGift item in a flavor of their choice by using the account number at the point of sale.
