As of April 7, 2020, the New York Times reported that at least 316 million people in the United States are living in cities, counties, and states that have issued a health directive to keep them at home—and curb the spread of COVID-19. Millions more are living under similar directives in countries around the world.

As we limit trips outside our homes to support stopping the spread, those of us able to do so are adapting to working from home and shopping less in stores. When we do go to the store or shop online, we see many out-of-stock items, which creates concerns about being able to purchase basic needs.  

Work-from-Home Impacts on Retail and Restaurants

Retailers have ramped up in-store pickup initiatives as they look for ways to support social distancing. As a result, a 62% increase in online orders for in-store pickup over last year is being reported, according to an Adobe Analytics study. Overall, online sales have jumped 25% during the pandemic to date, and online grocery shopping has seen over a 100% increase in daily sales. The study also shares the most popular items being purchased:

• Health products
• Gym equipment
• Canned foods
• Toilet paper—which comes as no surprise!

Local restaurants have had to change their business models overnight to survive. They’re finding new ways to cater to customers, such as promoting online ordering and curbside pickup or offering family meals for delivery or carryout. A Valassis survey from the week of March 16, 2020, recently reported the following:

• 12% of people ordered carryout from a restaurant for the first time.
• 15% have increased the frequency in which they order carryout.
• 10% have used restaurant delivery for the first time.
• 14% increased the frequency in which they order delivery.

Implications for Reward Programs

As people continue to cut down on the frequency with which they leave their homes, businesses have had to reassess the types of incentives and rewards they’re offering. Some are switching their budgets from trips that have been postponed indefinitely and luxury-oriented merchandise to gift cards that better support the needs of employees and customers with families all at home together. 

With research showing how people have changed their buying habits in the wake of COVID-19, businesses stand to benefit from learning how e-gift cards can better support their customers’ and employees’ needs. 

Rewards for Right Now

Tango Card created a Use-from-Home Reward Link that features e-gift card brands that offer the products and services people need and want right now—such as food delivery, telemedicine, gaming, streaming services, and more. Full List of Use-from-Home Brands:

Amazon.com
Apple iTunes®
Apple Music
Best Buy®
Buzzard
CVS Pharmacy
DoorDash
eBay
Google Play
Grubhub
Hello Alvin
Home Chef
Hulu Plus
Kigso Games
Lobster Gram
Lowes® Macy's
NFL® Shop®
Nike
Nintendo
Nordstrom
Nordstrom Rack
Office Depot®
PlayStation® Store
Razer Gold
REI
Safeway
Sephora
SHOWTIME®
SiriusXM Radio
Skype
Sling TV Staples
Starbucks
Starz
Stitch Fix®
StubHub
Target
The Home Depot®
T.G.I.Friday's®
Uber
Walmart
Wayfair.com
Whole Foods Market®
Xbox
Zappos.com

Other food delivery options can be added as well as charitable giving. And, since we’re all in this together, our full catalog includes over 450 e-gift card brands from 29 countries across the globe so everyone can receive the rewards they need and can use right now.

Questions: 

Contact your CSM or sales@tangocard.com to add these brands to your catalog or begin your new reward program.

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