Tony McGrath
28 February 2011
Popular ladies' fashion brand Hobbs announced recently that it would make a prepaid credit card option available to its customers, according to ComparePrepaid.co.uk. The card can be used at both the company's brick-and-mortar stores as well as through its online payment gateway.
ComparePrepaid reported that the chain said offering convenience was its objective in providing the prepaid option.
"We are delighted to now offer our customers the gift card as a payment method and gift alternative, and are looking forward to extending the functionality and continuing our strong relationship with Pre Pay Solutions by accepting payment on gift card online in the near future," Hobbs said.
The online news source pointed out that prepaid cards have grown in popularity in recent months, given the decreased availability of credit to many consumers. Additionally, prepaid cards make it easier to stay within a budget, since it's impossible to spend more than has already been credited to the account.
Experts say Hobbs' move is an example of the type of policy conventional retailers must pursue if they are to compete with online-only stores, since it may help to make the company's own online options more attractive.
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