Debenhams renews contract for gift card platform with PrePay Technologies Ltd

8th February 2005

Debenhams, one of the most popular British retailers, has renewed its contract with PrePay Technologies Ltd. (PPT) for the supply and on-going development of the platform that supports the retailer's successful gift card.

Launched in September 2002, Debenhams Gift Card, the first UK retail gift card, has succeeded in achieving operational efficiencies across the business, whilst allowing the retailer to build on its reputation for an innovative approach to retailing by introducing the gift card's internet application in March 2003, insurance and corporate card applications subsequently, and more recently introducing the product in Ireland, making it dual currency with the Euro.

Bernard Grant, Business Service Controller of Debenhams, said, 'Following extensive research of the gift card provider market, we have decided to continue to maintain our relationship with PrePay Technologies. We have been very pleased with the on-going professionalism of PrePay Technologies and the opportunities the platform has given us to expand the pre-pay product offering in line with our marketing plans. We are also delighted with the way gift cards have become an integral part of our gifting offer in both the consumer and corporate markets.

'Debenhams believes that their investment in the technology and development of its gift card provides an innovative channel for new products and significantly enhances the strength of the brand in the retail gifting market, but especially in the corporate and insurance replacements market where more and more companies are looking for new ideas and options. We very much look forward to working with PrePay Technologies to develop additional pre-pay products.'

PrePay Technologies is an international market leader in designing and delivering a range of innovative prepay solutions, including gift cards. As well as supplying major high street retailers, PrePay Technologies has also developed a pre-pay card for the insurance sector and is responsible for the multi-channel pre-pay platform behind The Grass Roots Group's corporate gift card.

PrePay Technologies services its clients via its UK-based data centres, leveraging its strong project management skills to enable clients to achieve a speed to market unsurpassed by other third-party and in-house operations.

Speaking of the renewal of the Debenhams' contract, Philippe Dufour, CEO of PrePay Technologies, said, 'We developed and delivered the original platform for Debenhams in a few months and since its launch we have been working with the company to expand the product range to ensure Debenhams remains at the forefront of innovative retailing. We are delighted that Debenhams has decided to remain with us, having reviewed all the market propositions. This confirms our belief that we are at the forefront of the marketplace and best placed to offer a proactive and professional service.'