Campaign Reminds Consumers to Use Gift Cards on January 15

Restaurant brands are lining up to support  the third annual National Use Your Gift Card Day.

The day, on Saturday, January 15, reminds consumers to go out and spend unused gift cards. The Day aims to stop the loss of billions of dollars in forgotten gift cards: a whopping $15.3 billion, according to Bankrate.com.

"Most of us received at least one or two gift cards this holiday season," said Tracy Tilson, Founder of the national shopping holiday. "National Use Your Gift Card Day is a reminder – right after the holiday gift card giving season – to rescue those unused gift cards and use them before they are forgotten."

Applebee's, Bonefish Grill, Carrabba's Italian Grill, Chick-fil-A, Chipotle, Melting Pot, Panera Bread and Smashburger are among the restaurant brands supporting the promo.

According to Pitney Bowes BOXpoll survey, most consumers who receive a gift card (58%) plan to spend it either within days or a few weeks after the holiday, and nearly one in three (30%) consumers spend gift cards months after the holidays—if they remember them at all.

Additional retailers and restaurants are giving consumers the opportunity to add value to their cards by offering a special incentive to use their gift cards on National Use Your Gift Card Day:

• The Great Greek: Free cookie when you use your Great Greek gift card for purchases.
• Jon Smith Subs: Free cookie when you use your Jon Smith Subs gift card for purchases.

National Use Your Gift Card Day recommends this simple three-step plan:

1 – Locate all unspent gift cards, even ones left with a small balance.
2 – Visit providers' websites to find special deals to maximize your gift card and save money on purchases.
3 – Make a shopping or dining plan to use them.

Consumers can also benefit those in need by donating unused cards to charity.

For more information, visit www.UseYourGiftCard.com or email [email protected].