The Future of Gifting and Retail: A New Era Begins
December 16, 2024, 4:01 am
In a world where technology reshapes our daily lives, the gifting industry is undergoing a transformation. Enter On Me, a digital gift platform that recently secured $1.7 million in pre-seed funding and partnered with Mastercard. This venture aims to revolutionize the $200 billion gift card market, breathing new life into a stale concept.
On Me is not just another app. It’s a bridge between tradition and innovation. Founded by two former Google Product Managers, Darragh Meaney and Sitar Harel, the platform is designed to cater to modern consumers. With the rise of mobile wallets like Apple Pay and Google Pay, On Me is set to replace outdated magnetic swipe technology. It’s a leap from the past into a sleek, user-friendly future.
Imagine a gift card that speaks to your passions. On Me personalizes each card based on specific hobbies or interests. Picture a runner receiving a gift card that unlocks access to top brands like HOKA, Nike, and Adidas. This multi-store approach reflects how consumers shop today. No longer confined to a single retailer, they can explore a curated selection of products tailored to their needs. With over 70 gift cards and 2,000 affiliates, On Me covers a wide array of interests—from running to reading, DIY to dance.
But the innovation doesn’t stop there. In a digital age dominated by media-rich experiences, On Me infuses gifts with video notes, photos, and GIFs. It’s about creating connections, not just transactions. This personal touch transforms gifting into a memorable experience, making each exchange feel special.
Security is another cornerstone of On Me’s platform. The gift card industry has been plagued by fraud, with the Federal Trade Commission reporting $217 million in losses last year alone. Traditional gift cards often lack robust security features, making them easy targets. On Me addresses this vulnerability head-on. By integrating Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) and utilizing on-device encryption, the platform ensures a fast and secure gifting experience. It’s a fortress against fraud, safeguarding both the giver and the receiver.
Moreover, On Me is committed to sustainability. The environmental impact of traditional gift cards is staggering. In 2021, 3.4 billion plastic gift cards were sold in the U.S., contributing to millions of pounds of non-biodegradable waste. On Me’s digital approach eliminates this plastic pollution, paving the way for a greener future.
But what if gifting could go beyond products? On Me envisions a world where users can gift experiences—skydiving, cooking classes, or wine tastings. This shift from material goods to memorable moments reflects a broader trend in consumer behavior. People crave experiences over possessions. On Me taps into this desire, creating a platform that fosters unforgettable memories.
As the retail landscape evolves, events like NRF 2025: Retail's Big Show Asia Pacific highlight the industry's future. Scheduled for June 3-5, 2025, in Singapore, this premier event promises to be a melting pot of ideas and innovations. With an advisory board of industry leaders, NRF 2025 aims to address pressing challenges in retail. From the rise of Gen-Z shoppers to the sustainability movement, the conference will explore the themes shaping the future of retail.
Retail is at a crossroads. The industry faces both opportunities and challenges. NRF 2025 will serve as a platform for leaders to share insights and strategies. The event will feature keynotes, breakout sessions, and networking opportunities, connecting delegates with pioneers transforming the retail landscape.
The conference will delve into critical topics. How do retailers adapt to the hybrid consumer? What role does AI play in optimizing operations? How can businesses create efficiencies in an inflationary world? These questions are vital as the retail sector navigates a rapidly changing environment.
The All-Access Pass for NRF 2025 offers a comprehensive experience. Priced from $1,499, it grants full access to the conference and expo floor. Early bird discounts make it an attractive option for retailers eager to stay ahead of the curve.
In conclusion, the future of gifting and retail is bright. On Me is leading the charge in the gifting space, transforming how we think about gift cards. With a focus on personalization, security, and sustainability, it’s setting a new standard. Meanwhile, NRF 2025 is poised to shape the retail landscape, bringing together industry leaders to tackle the challenges ahead.
As we embrace this new era, one thing is clear: innovation is the heartbeat of progress. Whether through digital gifting or retail conferences, the future is about connection, experience, and sustainability. The journey has just begun.
On Me is not just another app. It’s a bridge between tradition and innovation. Founded by two former Google Product Managers, Darragh Meaney and Sitar Harel, the platform is designed to cater to modern consumers. With the rise of mobile wallets like Apple Pay and Google Pay, On Me is set to replace outdated magnetic swipe technology. It’s a leap from the past into a sleek, user-friendly future.
Imagine a gift card that speaks to your passions. On Me personalizes each card based on specific hobbies or interests. Picture a runner receiving a gift card that unlocks access to top brands like HOKA, Nike, and Adidas. This multi-store approach reflects how consumers shop today. No longer confined to a single retailer, they can explore a curated selection of products tailored to their needs. With over 70 gift cards and 2,000 affiliates, On Me covers a wide array of interests—from running to reading, DIY to dance.
But the innovation doesn’t stop there. In a digital age dominated by media-rich experiences, On Me infuses gifts with video notes, photos, and GIFs. It’s about creating connections, not just transactions. This personal touch transforms gifting into a memorable experience, making each exchange feel special.
Security is another cornerstone of On Me’s platform. The gift card industry has been plagued by fraud, with the Federal Trade Commission reporting $217 million in losses last year alone. Traditional gift cards often lack robust security features, making them easy targets. On Me addresses this vulnerability head-on. By integrating Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) and utilizing on-device encryption, the platform ensures a fast and secure gifting experience. It’s a fortress against fraud, safeguarding both the giver and the receiver.
Moreover, On Me is committed to sustainability. The environmental impact of traditional gift cards is staggering. In 2021, 3.4 billion plastic gift cards were sold in the U.S., contributing to millions of pounds of non-biodegradable waste. On Me’s digital approach eliminates this plastic pollution, paving the way for a greener future.
But what if gifting could go beyond products? On Me envisions a world where users can gift experiences—skydiving, cooking classes, or wine tastings. This shift from material goods to memorable moments reflects a broader trend in consumer behavior. People crave experiences over possessions. On Me taps into this desire, creating a platform that fosters unforgettable memories.
As the retail landscape evolves, events like NRF 2025: Retail's Big Show Asia Pacific highlight the industry's future. Scheduled for June 3-5, 2025, in Singapore, this premier event promises to be a melting pot of ideas and innovations. With an advisory board of industry leaders, NRF 2025 aims to address pressing challenges in retail. From the rise of Gen-Z shoppers to the sustainability movement, the conference will explore the themes shaping the future of retail.
Retail is at a crossroads. The industry faces both opportunities and challenges. NRF 2025 will serve as a platform for leaders to share insights and strategies. The event will feature keynotes, breakout sessions, and networking opportunities, connecting delegates with pioneers transforming the retail landscape.
The conference will delve into critical topics. How do retailers adapt to the hybrid consumer? What role does AI play in optimizing operations? How can businesses create efficiencies in an inflationary world? These questions are vital as the retail sector navigates a rapidly changing environment.
The All-Access Pass for NRF 2025 offers a comprehensive experience. Priced from $1,499, it grants full access to the conference and expo floor. Early bird discounts make it an attractive option for retailers eager to stay ahead of the curve.
In conclusion, the future of gifting and retail is bright. On Me is leading the charge in the gifting space, transforming how we think about gift cards. With a focus on personalization, security, and sustainability, it’s setting a new standard. Meanwhile, NRF 2025 is poised to shape the retail landscape, bringing together industry leaders to tackle the challenges ahead.
As we embrace this new era, one thing is clear: innovation is the heartbeat of progress. Whether through digital gifting or retail conferences, the future is about connection, experience, and sustainability. The journey has just begun.