Argentina Gift Card and Incentive Card Market Intelligence and Future Growth Dynamics (Databook) - Market Size and Forecast; Spend Analysis by Digital / e-Gift Card, Retail and Corporate Consumers, Distribution Channel, Occasions, Retail Sectors, Open Loo

According to PayNXT360, gift card market in Argentina is expected to grow by 11.9% on annual basis to reach US$1,198.4 million in 2025.

The gift card market in the country experienced robust growth during 2020-2024, achieving a CAGR of 13.0%. This upward trajectory is expected to continue, with the market forecast to grow at a CAGR of 10.6% during 2025-2029. By the end of 2029, the gift card sector is projected to expand from its 2024 value of USD 1,070.9 million to approximately USD 1,790.3 million.

This report provides a detailed data-centric analysis of the gift card sector in Argentina, covering market opportunities and risks across consumer segments (retail and corporate); product categories; retail sectors; and store formats. With over 100+ KPIs at the country level, this report provides a comprehensive understanding of gift card market dynamics.

It offers a comprehensive analysis of market dynamics in the gift card sector, segmented by digital and e-gift card sales, distribution channels, key occasions, demographic trends, and market share statistics of leading retailers. In addition, it provides a snapshot of consumer behaviour and retail spending dynamics. KPIs in both value and volume terms help in getting an in-depth understanding of end market dynamics.

PayNXT360’s research methodology is based on industry best practices. Its unbiased analysis leverages a proprietary analytics platform to offer a detailed view of emerging business and investment market opportunities.

Key Insights

Argentina's gift card sector has experienced substantial transformation, driven by digital innovation, corporate engagement, and enhanced e-gifting options. The introduction of digital gift cards by leading retailers such as Cencosud, and their integration into digital wallets, highlights the sector's adaptation to evolving consumer expectations for convenience and flexibility.

Corporate demand for gift cards as employee incentives has gained traction, while the rise of e-gifting during festive seasons underscores a shift in gifting culture towards digital platforms. In the next 2-4 years, these trends are expected to intensify, with further collaborations between retailers and technology providers paving the way for market expansion and greater consumer adoption.

Expansion of Digital Gift Card Offerings by Major Retailers
• In the past year, leading Argentine retailers have broadened their digital gift card portfolios. For instance, Cencosud, a major retail group, has introduced new gift card options across its supermarket chains, including Easy and Disco. These innovations focus on enhancing customer experience by providing more versatile and accessible gift card solutions.
• The surge in e-commerce and the increasing preference for online shopping have prompted retailers to offer digital gift cards. Consumers value the convenience and immediacy of digital solutions, especially in urban areas where internet penetration is high.
• This trend is expected to intensify, with more retailers launching digital gift card options to meet consumer expectations. The integration of digital gift cards into mobile apps and online platforms will likely become standard practice, further embedding them into the consumer purchasing experience.

Adoption of Gift Cards by Corporate Institutions for Employee Incentives
• Argentine businesses are increasingly utilizing gift cards as tools for employee rewards and incentives. Companies are opting for gift cards to recognize employee achievements and boost morale.
• Gift cards offer flexibility, allowing employees to choose products or services that suit their preferences. In a fluctuating economic environment, gift cards can serve as a stable alternative to cash bonuses, maintaining their value over time.
• The use of gift cards in corporate incentive programs is anticipated to grow, with businesses seeking versatile and effective methods to reward employees. This could lead to partnerships between corporations and retailers to develop customized gift card solutions.

Integration of Gift Cards into Digital Wallets and Mobile Payment Systems
• There is a growing integration of gift cards into digital wallets and mobile payment platforms in Argentina. Consumers can now store and manage gift cards within apps, facilitating easier redemption and tracking.
• The widespread adoption of smartphones and the increasing use of mobile payment solutions have driven this trend. Consumers seek streamlined payment methods that consolidate various financial instruments into a single platform.
• This trend is expected to strengthen, with more retailers and payment providers collaborating to offer integrated gift card solutions. Enhanced user experiences and the convenience of managing gift cards digitally will likely boost consumer adoption.

Growth of E-Gifting During Festive Seasons and Special Occasions
• E-gifting, particularly through digital gift cards, has gained popularity during festive seasons and special occasions in Argentina. Consumers are increasingly choosing digital gift cards as convenient gifting options.
• The desire for quick and hassle-free gifting solutions, coupled with the ability to personalize messages, has made e-gifting appealing. The COVID-19 pandemic also accelerated the adoption of contactless gifting methods.
• E-gifting is expected to become more ingrained in Argentine gifting culture, with advancements in digital platforms enhancing the personalization and immediacy of gift card delivery. Retailers may develop targeted marketing campaigns around e-gifting during key seasons.

Competitive Landscape of Argentina's Gift Card Sector

Argentina’s gift card market is experiencing intensified competition, driven by both digital innovation and retail enhancements. Established players such as MercadoLibre and Cencosud continue to dominate with strengthened offerings, while technology-driven fintech firms like Ualá and Nubi have entered the space, capitalizing on the shift toward mobile payment solutions.

Recent partnerships reflect strategic moves to expand digital capabilities and improve omnichannel strategies. MercadoLibre partnered with payment providers to boost gift card integration, while Cencosud and other retailers formed alliances with fintech and logistics firms to streamline gift card distribution. Over the next 2-4 years, digital transformation and strategic partnerships are expected to drive further competition, creating comprehensive loyalty and rewards ecosystems integrated across retail and mobile commerce platforms.

Current Market Overview
• Argentina's gift card market has seen increased competition, with players focusing on both digital innovation and physical retail presence. Digital transformation, driven by changing consumer behavior, has prompted established companies to enhance their offerings while providing opportunities for new entrants in the market.

Key Players and New Entrants
• Major players such as MercadoLibre, Cencosud, Carrefour, and La Anónima continue to dominate the sector with both physical and digital gift card solutions. These companies have strengthened their offerings through improved digital platforms, mobile integrations, and diversified gift card categories to appeal to both retail and corporate clients.
• Over the past year, new technology-driven players, including local fintech companies, have entered the gift card space. Firms such as Ualá and Nubi have introduced innovative services, integrating digital gift cards with mobile wallet capabilities to capitalize on Argentina's growing adoption of mobile payments.

Recent Partnerships, Mergers, and Acquisitions
• In 2024, MercadoLibre partnered with payment solution providers to enable expanded digital gift card integration within its platform, enhancing consumer accessibility to gift cards as part of its broader loyalty and rewards program.
• Cencosud partnered with digital payment technology firms to offer real-time e-gift card redemption in multiple store chains, including Jumbo and Easy, boosting its omnichannel sales strategy in the Argentine market.
• Retailers such as Disco and Vea have formed alliances with logistics and fintech companies to streamline gift card distribution across digital and physical channels, aiming to improve customer convenience and enhance market presence.

Outlook (Next 2-4 Years)
• The competitive landscape in Argentina’s gift card sector is likely to intensify as both established and new players continue to invest in digital transformation and strategic partnerships. Enhanced collaborations between fintech and retail players are expected to drive innovation, offering consumers more personalized and integrated solutions.
• International companies may also increasingly view Argentina as a strategic market, leading to more cross-border partnerships and investment in the sector. This heightened competition is anticipated to result in more comprehensive loyalty and rewards ecosystems, integrating gift cards into various aspects of e-commerce, mobile commerce, and corporate services.

Scope

This report provides in-depth, data-centric analysis of gift card industry in Argentina through 100+ tables and 280+ charts. Below is a summary of key market segments:

Argentina Total Spend on Gifts
• By Consumer Segment (Retail and Corporate)
• By Product Categories (13 Segments)
• By Retail Sectors (7 Segments)

Argentina Gift Card Market Size by KPIs across Consumer Segments
• Gross Load Value
• Transaction Value
• Unused Value
• Average Value Per Transaction
• Transaction Volume
• Average Value of Card Purchased
• Number of Cards

Argentina Gift Card Market Size by Consumer Segment
• Retail Consumer
• Corporate Consumer (Small Scale, Mid-Tier, Large Enterprise)

Argentina Digital Gift Card Market Size
• By Retail Consumer
• By Retail Purchase Occasion
• By Corporate Consumer
• By Corporate Purchase Occasion
• By Company Size

Argentina Gift Card Market Size by Retail Consumer
• By Functional Attribute
• By Occasion
1. Festivals & Special Celebration Days
2. Milestone Celebration
3. Self-Use
4. Other
• Value by Purchase Channel

Argentina Gift Card Spend by Consumer Behavior and Demographics
• Gift Card Spend by Payment Method
• Consumer Purchase Behaviour
• Gift Card Buyer by Age Group
• Gift Card Buyer by Income Level
• Gift Card Buyer by Gender

Argentina Gift Card Market Size by Corporate Consumer
• By Functional Attribute
• By Occasion
1. Employee Incentive
2. Sales Incentive
3. Consumer Incentive
• By Scale of Business

Argentina Gift Spend by Product Categories (Split by Retail and Corporate Consumers)
• Food & Beverage
• Health, Wellness & Beauty
• Apparel, Footwear & Accessories
• Books & Media Products
• Consumer Electronics
• Restaurants & Bars
• Toys, Kids, and Babies
• Jewelry
• Sporting Goods
• Home & Kitchen Accessories & Appliances
• Travel
• Entertainment & Gaming
• Other

Argentina Gift Card Spend by Retail Sector (Split by Retail and Corporate Consumers)
• Ecommerce & Department Stores
• Restaurants & Bars
• Supermarket, Hypermarket, Convenience Store
• Entertainment & Gaming
• Specialty Stores
• Health & Wellness
• Travel

Argentina Gift Card Spend by Distribution Channel (Split by Retail and Corporate Consumers)
• Gift Card Online Sales
• Gift Card Offline Sales
• 1st Party Sales
• 3rd Party Sales
• Sales Uplift

Argentina Gift Card Purchase by Payment Method
• Credit Card
• Debit Card
• Bank Transfer
• Prepaid Card
• Digital & Mobile Wallet
• BNPL & Other Digital Payment
• Cash

Argentina Closed Loop Gift Card Market Share by Key Retailers. Key Retailers Covered Include:
Carrefour Hypermarket
Vea
Easy Cencosud
MercadoLibre
Disco
La Anónima
Coto Supermercado
Carrefour Market
Más Online (Changomas)
DIA Online

Reasons to buy
• Comprehensive comprehension of the dynamics of the gift card and incentive card markets: Recognise the opportunities in the market, the main drivers and trends, and the five-year projection for gift and incentive cards in Argentina.
• Create strategies tailored to the market: To create your gift card strategy, identify growth categories and target particular opportunities across consumer segments and occasions; evaluate important trends and risks unique to your market.
• Learn about the attitudes and behaviours of consumers in Argentina: Increase ROI by understanding how consumer attitudes and behaviours are evolving. With gift cards, you may obtain comprehensive information about retail spending for both corporate and retail customers.
• Six key performance indicators (KPIs) provide a comprehensive view: the quantity of cards in circulation, load value, unused value, average purchase value, average value per transaction, and transaction value.
• Distribution channel insights: Recognise the differences in gift card sales across online and offline channels as well as between first-party and third-party sales. Show more