Target Stores To Be First Retailer Of Facebook Credits Gift Cards

MINNEAPOLIS (September 1, 2010) – Today Target® announced that Facebook® Credits gift cards will launch at Target stores nationwide beginning Sept. 5.  Target will be the first brick-and-mortar retailer to carry Facebook Credits gift cards.

 

While Facebook is free and always will be, Facebook Credits are an easy and convenient way for people to buy digital goods in more than 150 popular social games and applications offered by independent developers on Facebook. The newly-launched Facebook Credits gift cards will be an ideal gift this holiday season for those who enjoy playing social games on Facebook.

“At Target we strive to delight our guests with exciting, new products every day, so we’re thrilled to be the first retailer to sell Facebook Credits gift cards,” said Mark Schindele, senior vice president, merchandising, Target.  “With social gaming becoming increasingly popular, Facebook Credits gift cards provide an easy and convenient option for Target guests to purchase virtual goods.” 

 

Facebook Credits gift cards will be available at Target stores nationwide and on Target.com beginning Sept. 5, in increments of $15, $25 and $50.  The $15 Facebook Credits gift card has been created exclusively for Target. 

More than 200 million people play games on Facebook each month. Unlike most traditional games, social games on Facebook are free.  Players can elect to purchase virtual goods or enhancements to their game experience. Facebook Credits are accepted by many of the leading games on Facebook, including Zynga’s FarmVille and Mafia Wars; CrowdStar’s Happy Aquarium; PopCap Games’ Bejeweled Blitz; Playdom’s City of Wonder; and EA SPORTS FIFA Superstars from Playfish.

 

 “One of Facebook’s goals is to create a great place for games – both for people who love to play and the developers that create fun and engaging social experiences,” said Dan Rose, vice president of partnerships and platform marketing at Facebook. “Gift cards are easy to use and very popular. We’re looking forward to launching in Target stores and giving people the ability to purchase Facebook Credits for their own use or to give as gifts to their friends and family.”

 

According to Inside Network*, Americans will spend more than $1.6 billion in 2010 on virtual goods and social gaming. First offered in May 2009, Facebook Credits is a safe and easy to use virtual currency for games and applications available on Facebook.

 

Founded in February 2004, Facebook's mission is to give people the power to share and make the world more open and connected. With more than 500 million active users, Facebook is one of the most trafficked websites in the world. Anyone can sign up and use Facebook for free and interact with the people they know in a trusted environment. Facebook is a privately held company and is headquartered in Palo Alto, Calif.

Minneapolis-based Target Corporation (NYSE:TGT) serves guests at 1,743 stores in 49 states nationwide and at Target.com. Target is committed to providing a fun and convenient shopping experience with access to unique and highly differentiated products at affordable prices. Since 1946, the corporation has given 5 percent of its income through community grants and programs like Take Charge of Education. Today, that giving equals more than $3 million a week. For more information about Target’s commitment to corporate responsibility, visit Target.com/hereforgood.