Switzerland 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 L

According to PayNXT360, gift card market in Switzerland is expected to grow by 7.9% on annual basis to reach US$1,905.1 million in 2025.

The gift card market in the country experienced robust growth during 2020-2024, achieving a CAGR of 8.5%. This upward trajectory is expected to continue, with the market forecast to grow at a CAGR of 6.9% during 2025-2029. By the end of 2029, the gift card sector is projected to expand from its 2024 value of USD 1,765.6 million to approximately USD 2,486.1 million.

This report provides a detailed data-centric analysis of the gift card sector in Switzerland, 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

The Swiss gift card market is undergoing significant transformation, led by digitalization, increasing adoption of corporate incentives, and the growing preference for flexible gifting options. The expansion of e-commerce and digital payment solutions is driving the rise of e-gift cards, while companies are leveraging gift cards as effective tools for employee engagement and customer loyalty. Seasonal demand remains a key factor, with retailers capitalizing on festive periods to boost sales. Additionally, open-loop gift cards are gaining traction, offering consumers greater flexibility in spending choices across multiple retailers. Looking ahead, the market is expected to experience sustained growth, with further digital advancements enhancing personalization and user experience. Corporate partnerships and evolving reward strategies will likely expand the role of gift cards in workplace incentives. However, the increasing prevalence of digital transactions also brings security concerns, prompting investment in fraud prevention and cybersecurity measures. As retailers and financial institutions adapt to these trends, the Swiss gift card market will become more dynamic, catering to changing consumer behaviors and business needs.

Digitalization of Gift Cards
• The Swiss gift card market is experiencing a significant shift from physical to digital formats. Consumers increasingly prefer e-gift cards due to their convenience and instant delivery. Major retailers, such as Digitec Galaxus, offer digital gift cards that can be purchased and redeemed online.
• The rapid growth of e-commerce in Switzerland, with consumer electronics leading online sales at 27.3%, has propelled the demand for digital gift cards. High internet penetration and widespread smartphone usage facilitate easy access to online platforms, encouraging digital transactions.
• The digital gift card segment is expected to expand further, aligning with the continuous rise in e-commerce and digital payment solutions. Retailers will likely enhance their digital offerings, integrating personalized and customizable options to attract a broader customer base.

Integration of Gift Cards in Corporate Incentive Programs
• Swiss companies increasingly incorporate gift cards into their employee incentive and customer loyalty programs. This approach offers flexibility and a wide range of choices for recipients, making it an effective tool for motivation and retention.
• This trend is driven by the need for scalable and personalized reward systems in corporate environments. Gift cards provide a tax-efficient method for companies to reward employees and customers, enhancing engagement and satisfaction.
• Using gift cards in corporate programs is anticipated to grow, with businesses seeking innovative ways to incentivize performance and foster loyalty. This trend will likely lead to partnerships between gift card providers and corporations, expanding the market reach.

Seasonal and Event-Driven Gift Card Sales
• There is a noticeable surge in gift card purchases during festive seasons and special events in Switzerland. Consumers opt for gift cards as practical and versatile gifts for occasions such as Christmas, birthdays, and anniversaries.
• The cultural emphasis on gifting during holidays and the convenience of gift cards contribute to this trend. Retailers often promote gift cards with special offers during these periods, further encouraging purchases.
• Seasonal peaks in gift card sales are expected to persist, with retailers potentially introducing themed or limited-edition gift cards to capitalize on this demand. Enhanced marketing strategies during festive seasons will likely boost sales further.

Growth of Open-Loop Gift Cards
• Open-loop gift cards, which can be used at multiple retailers or locations, are gaining popularity in Switzerland. They offer recipients greater flexibility than closed-loop cards restricted to a single retailer.
• Consumer preference for versatility and the ability to choose from various retailers drive the adoption of open-loop gift cards. Financial institutions and payment networks offer such products to support this trend.
• The market share of open-loop gift cards is expected to increase, with more financial institutions and retailers collaborating to offer these flexible options. This expansion will cater to consumer demand for choice and convenience.

Emphasis on Security and Fraud Prevention
• As the Swiss gift card market expands, security and fraud prevention have become critical priorities for industry stakeholders. The growing volume of digital transactions has increased concerns about cyber threats, prompting businesses to implement stringent security measures. Ensuring the safety of gift card transactions is essential to maintaining consumer trust and preventing financial losses.
• The surge in digital adoption has been a key driver for enhanced security measures as consumers and businesses demand safer platforms. Companies invest in encryption, multi-factor authentication, and real-time fraud detection to safeguard transactions. These efforts not only mitigate risks but also contribute to the market's long-term stability.
• Security advancements will continue to shape the Swiss gift card sector over the next two to four years. Increased investment in fraud detection and prevention systems is expected to bolster consumer confidence and protect market integrity. As regulatory bodies tighten compliance requirements, businesses must prioritize security innovation to stay ahead of evolving cyber threats.

Competitive Landscape of the Switzerland Gift Card Market

In the coming years, the Swiss gift card market will continue to expand, driven by digital transformation, evolving consumer demands, and increasing corporate adoption. Established players will likely enhance their digital platforms, while new entrants introduce innovative offerings, such as cryptocurrency-based gift cards, to attract a tech-savvy audience. Strategic partnerships and acquisitions will further influence the competitive landscape as companies strive to strengthen their market position. Additionally, regulatory oversight will be crucial in maintaining transparency, security, and fair competition within the industry. Implementing consumer protection measures, including fee regulations and expiration policies, will shape market practices and ensure sustainable growth. Overall, the Swiss gift card market is set to become more dynamic, with technological advancements and strategic initiatives paving the way for future development.

Current Market Dynamics
• The Swiss gift card market expansion is fueled by the rapid adoption of digital gifting solutions and the increasing role of gift cards in corporate incentive programs. As businesses seek convenient ways to reward employees and customers, the demand for physical and digital gift cards continues to rise.
• E-commerce has also played a crucial role in the market's expansion as more consumers turn to online shopping and digital payments. The integration of gift cards with popular e-commerce platforms has enhanced accessibility and convenience for both retailers and consumers. As a result, the gift card market in Switzerland is evolving to cater to a diverse range of industries, including retail, hospitality, and corporate sectors.

Key Players and Market Share
• Major retailers such as Migros, Coop, and Manor dominate the Swiss gift card market, primarily offering closed-loop gift cards in their stores. These established players have a strong customer base and leverage their brand reputation to maintain a significant market share. Their extensive distribution networks and partnerships with financial service providers further strengthen their competitive edge.
• However, new entrants are reshaping the landscape by introducing innovative products tailored to changing consumer preferences. For instance, Bitcoin gift cards have emerged as a popular alternative for tech-savvy customers, expanding the market beyond traditional retail offerings. By providing more flexible and digital-first solutions, new players drive increased competition and diversity in the industry.

Anticipated Market Evolution (Next 2-4 Years)
• The Swiss gift card market is set to witness intensified competition as companies invest in digital transformation and innovation. Established brands are expected to enhance their online gift card platforms while new entrants continue to introduce cryptocurrency-based solutions. The growing demand for digital convenience will push companies to adopt more flexible, tech-driven gifting options.
• Additionally, strategic collaborations and acquisitions will likely increase as businesses seek to expand their market share and diversify their product portfolios. Companies must adapt to new compliance requirements as regulatory frameworks evolve to ensure consumer protection and fair competition. The market will become more dynamic, with innovation and digitalization playing a central role in shaping its future.

Regulatory Changes
• Switzerland has introduced new regulatory measures to improve transparency and security in the gift card market. These regulations focus on key aspects such as fees, expiration policies, and consumer rights, ensuring fair practices among industry players. Regulatory authorities aim to protect consumers from hidden charges and restrictive terms by addressing these concerns.
• Additionally, the regulatory framework promotes fair competition by preventing monopolistic practices and market distortions. Stricter compliance requirements for gift card issuers help mitigate fraudulent activities and reinforce consumer trust in the industry. These regulatory efforts are expected to foster a more secure and consumer-friendly environment for gift card transactions.

Scope

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

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

Switzerland 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

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

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

Switzerland 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

Switzerland 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

Switzerland 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

Switzerland 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

Switzerland 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

Switzerland 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

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

Switzerland Closed Loop Gift Card Market Share by Key Retailers. Key Retailers Covered Include:
Migros
Coop Supermarkets
Denner
Manor
Aldi
Digitec Galaxus
Landi
Volg
Ikea
Lidl

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 Switzerland.
• 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 Switzerland: 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.