The Western Union Company(NYSE: WU), a leader in global payments, has found through a recent survey conducted with Wakefield Research that nearly three quarters of consumers (74 percent) admit that their mothers would rather receive $50 cash than a $50 bouquet of flowers this Mother’s Day.
“Moms hold a special place in everyone’s heart, and this makes finding the perfect gift for them that much more difficult. Mom always knows what we need, and by giving Mom the gift of cash this Mother’s Day, consumers can ensure that she receives the gift that she wants most,” said Victoria Lopez-Negrete, Senior Vice President and General Manager, North America, Western Union.
According to the same survey, 90 percent of consumers are looking for a way to thank their mothers this Mother’s Day besides giving the signature gift of flowers and candy. In looking at gifting alternatives, again the answer is cash: nearly three-fourths (72 percent) of adults said that receiving a gift of cash is more appealing than any other type of gift.
The survey also indicated that 79 percent of consumers are apprehensive about shopping for Mother’s Day for one reason or another, with 52 percent of consumers reporting that their top dilemma in shopping for their mothers is that they don’t know what Mom wants. Even for consumers who know exactly what their mothers want this Mother’s Day, there are still obstacles: according to the same survey, 43 percent of consumers can’t afford what they really want to purchase for their moms.
“We’ve seen consumers expressing budgetary concern when searching for the perfect Mother’s Day gift. Western Union has worked to provide consumers with a variety of options to send the gift of cash to their moms this season, while staying within their budget,” added Lopez-Negrete.
Giving the gift of cash is easy through Western Union. From today through May 10, consumers can send up to $200 from the U.S. for next day delivery service for an $8 transfer fee* to Mexico, Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, and Nicaragua. For consumers looking to send money within the U.S., Western Union’s “$50 for $5” offer allows consumers to send a money transfer of up to $50 for a $5 fee. Another great option is to order a gift card of up to $100 for only a $5 fee.1 The gift card can include a free greeting card and a voice message the sender leaves for Mom to hear. First class mail service to send the gift card is free, too.
* WESTERN UNION ALSO MAKES MONEY FROM THE EXCHANGE OF CURRENCIES.
1 Gift Card only for sale and shipment to the 48 contiguous states excluding AZ, P.O. boxes, U.S. military bases and correctional facilities. A $2.50 per month servicing fee applies after 12 consecutive months of non-use.
About Western Union
The Western Union Company (NYSE: WU) is a leader in global payment services. Together with its Vigo, Orlandi Valuta, Pago Facil and Western Union Business Solutions branded payment services, Western Union provides consumers and businesses with fast, reliable and convenient ways to send and receive money around the world, to send payments and to purchase money orders. The Western Union, Vigo and Orlandi Valuta branded services are offered through a combined network of approximately 455,000 agent locations in 200 countries and territories. In 2010, The Western Union Company completed 214 million consumer-to-consumer transactions worldwide, moving $76 billion of principal between consumers, and 405 million business payments. For more information, visit www.westernunion.com.
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