ENGLEWOOD, Colo., Nov. 16 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — The Western Union Company (NYSE: WU) a leader in the money transfer segment of global payments, found in a recent survey(1) that nearly half of America will travel less this holiday season due to the economy. With fewer people traveling, 52 percent expect to send holiday gifts to family and friends.
To facilitate long-distance, gift giving needs, Western Union today announced the launch of “$50 for $5,” its new U.S. holiday promotion. Starting today through December 26, 2009 consumers can send up to $50 to loved ones in the U.S. for a $5 fee.
“Affordability is a top priority for all gift givers this year, and with that in mind, Western Union is pleased to offer ‘$50 for $5’ just in time for the holidays,” said Stewart A. Stockdale, executive vice president and president of The Americas, Western Union.
“Retailers are likely to see consumers place greater emphasis on practical gift giving ideas – this year – such as ‘$50 for $5,'” added Stockdale. “Our holiday promotion is a quick and easy alternative to shopping and shipping wrapped presents.”
The Western Union survey, conducted in conjunction with GfK Roper, also revealed that while consumers plan to send gifts this holiday season, 6 in 10 Americans say high shipping costs are too high.
Western Union is offering this year consumers the ability to also send cash on a Western Union(R) branded prepaid gift card(2).
As part of its prepaid gift card offerings, Western Union recently unveiled the Western Union(R) Wyclef Jean Visa(R) prepaid gift card featuring the artist’s name and image.
The Western Union Wyclef prepaid gift card follows the recently introduced Western Union MoneyWise and Gold Card reloadable prepaid cards.
Western Union prepaid gift cards are available online at www.westernunion.com.
(1) The survey, commissioned by Western Union and conducted by GfK Roper Public Affairs & Media, polled 1,000 people 18 years old and older between October 9 and October 11, 2009.
(2) A $2.50 per month servicing fee applies after 12 consecutive months of non-use.
The Western Union(R) MoneyWise(TM) Visa Prepaid Card, Western Union Gold Card Visa Prepaid Card, and the Western Union Gift Visa Prepaid Cards are issued by MetaBank(TM) pursuant to a license from Visa U.S.A. Inc. MetaBank, Member FDIC.
About Western Union
The Western Union Company (NYSE: WU) is a leader in global payment services. Together with its Vigo, Orlandi Valuta and Pago Facil branded payment services, Western Union provides consumers with fast, reliable and convenient ways to send and receive money around the world, as well as send payments and purchase money orders. Western Union, Vigo and Orlandi Valuta operate through a combined network of more than 400,000 agent locations in 200 countries and territories. In 2008, The Western Union Company completed 188 million consumer-to-consumer transactions worldwide, moving $74 billion of principal between consumers, and 412 million consumer-to-business transactions. For more information, visit www.westernunion.com.
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SOURCE The Western Union Company
