According to a press release published on March 3, 2016, by Buyatab, the company has partnered with Home Hardware Stores Limited to launch a digital gift card program, a first in the Canadian hardware industry. The program, created in response to consumer demand, allows customers to purchase and receive digital gift cards online instantly through the Buyatab platform.

The digital gift cards, also known as eGift cards, can be purchased online at homehardware.ca in both French and English and are redeemable at any Home Hardware location. Customers also have the option to purchase physical gift cards. Home Hardware's Retail Payment Services Manager, Bruce Hammer, stated that the company aims to respond to evolving consumer shopping habits and patterns by offering a digital gift option.

Buyatab's Founder and COO, Matias Marquez, expressed excitement about the partnership, stating that consumers want a secure and reliable gift option that is easily accessible. The company's technology is compatible with mobile wallets such as Apple Wallet and Google Pay, and it provides eGift card services to merchants in various sectors, including retail, hospitality, and restaurant.

Home Hardware Stores Limited is Canada's largest Dealer-owned hardware, lumber, building materials, and furniture cooperative, with nearly 1,100 stores across the country and annual retail sales of over $5.8 billion. The company remains 100% Canadian-owned and operated and has received designation as one of Canada's Best Corporate Cultures and Best Managed Companies.

The partnership between Buyatab and Home Hardware is expected to provide customers with a convenient and secure way to purchase and receive digital gift cards. With the rapid growth of mobile device and social media use, Buyatab's technology is well-positioned to support the evolving needs of consumers.

Buyatab is a leading provider of advanced online gift card infrastructure solutions for medium and large-sized businesses. The company's clients include merchants in the United States, Canada, and Europe, and it provides eGift card services to a wide variety of sectors.

The launch of the digital gift card program is a significant development in the Canadian hardware industry, and it is expected to enhance the shopping experience for Home Hardware customers. The program's success will likely depend on the convenience, security, and reliability of the digital gift card option.

As the gift card industry continues to evolve, partnerships like the one between Buyatab and Home Hardware are likely to play an important role in shaping the future of digital gifting. The ability to purchase and receive digital gift cards online instantly is expected to become increasingly popular among consumers, and companies that offer this option are likely to benefit from increased customer loyalty and retention.