• The total aggregate volume of gift cards purchased in 2008 was $91 billion.
  • The total aggregate volume of gift cards that are predicted to be purchased for all of 2009 is $87 billion.
  • The highest percentage ever recorded for unused gift cards (called “spillage”, “spoilage”, or “breakage“) was 10% of all gift cards purchased in 2007.
  • The percentage of unused gift cards for 2009 is predicted to be 6% and represents approximately $5 billion of unused gift cards.
  • Over $100 million of gift cards were rendered useless or compromised in value in some way in 2008 because of the bankruptcies of Sharper Image, Linens ‘n Things, and other failed retailers with outstanding gift cards.
  • It is estimated that Wal-Mart could have close to $1 billion of unused gift cards out in circulation.
  • 61% of gift card holders spend more than the gifted amount.
  • 75% of gift card shoppers spend 60% more than the value of the gift card.
  • Purchases made with a gift card are typically between 20% and 50% higher than the average purchase price.