November 30, 2005
Blenz Coffee Brews Up Reloadable Gift Card with Technology from Ernex
New stored-value gift card reloads automatically and is a convenient and secure payment option for frequent coffee drinkers
Vancouver, November 30, 2005 - Have you ever felt like you just can't wait for that cup of coffee? Now customers at BC-based Blenz Coffee have a quicker and easier way of buying their bean with the launch of the reloadable Blenz Card, a new payment device for the frequent coffee drinker that can replace cash transactions.
By registering their gift card on the Blenz website customers can enroll in a service that automatically reloads the card with funds, ensuring Blenz lovers can always make a purchase. As soon as the Blenz Card reaches a specified limit set by the customer (or zero) - even during a purchase - the Blenz Card is automatically reloaded with additional funds from a credit card of the customer's choice.
This unique automatic reloading capability differs from other reloadable stored-value cards that typically update card balances at the end of the day, handcuffing customers trying to use their card before the balance has been topped up.
The Blenz Card was developed using technology from Ernex, a division of Moneris Solutions Corporation, one of Canada's leading providers of stored-value gift card programs, and Moneris Solutions Corporation, Canada's largest processor of debit and credit card transactions.
"Our new Blenz Card ensures a convenient, hassle-free cup of coffee without fumbling for change," says Walter Sawadsky, Marketing Manager for Blenz. "It also lets us cater specifically to our loyal customers while at the same time providing a great opportunity to reach new consumer channels through branded gift giving and Blenz Card merchandising at the point-of-sale."
"The Blenz Card is a great example of an innovative Ernex solution backed by Moneris technology that really appeals to merchants," said Malcolm Fowler, Vice President & General Manager, Ernex. "The marriage of Ernex's gift card technology with the payment processing services of Moneris' eSELECTplus terminal creates a winning blend for Blenz customers."
Blenz Cards can also be reloaded for any amount from $5 to $100 anytime at all participating Blenz locations. Blenz Cardholders are eligible to receive benefits on future beverage promotions, merchandise and other Blenz products through swipe-and-win contests and receipt coupons and messages.
Blenz is a beta customer for Ernex's new automatic reloading stored-value gift card - full availability of the product is expected in spring 2006.
About Blenz
Blenz Coffee opened its first store in 1992 on Robson Street in Vancouver, Canada. Since then Blenz has
grown into British Columbia's largest homegrown retailer of high quality roasted brewed coffees, whole bean
coffees, specialty hot and cold beverages and freshly baked goods and pastries. Currently, Blenz Coffee
has more than 30 locations in B.C. that include Greater Vancouver, Whistler, Vancouver Island and Kelowna.
Blenz also has more than 25 international stores divided between Japan, China and the U.A.E. Blenz was founded
with a philosophy that was intended to "develop customer loyalty and growth by providing an environment
of quality, service and consistency through the development of people, products and attitude."
About Ernex®
Ernex, a division of Moneris Solutions Corporation, is a provider of innovative real-time marketing solutions
including privately branded and multi-merchant loyalty programs, stored-value gift cards, reward fulfillment
services and loyalty database hosting services. Leading companies in the financial, retail, restaurant and
hospitality industries as well as large membership organizations use Ernex solutions. For more information
please call 877-GO-ERNEX or visit www.ernex.com.
About Moneris Solutions Corporation
Moneris Solutions, together with its wholly-owned U.S. based subsidiary Moneris Solutions, Inc., is one
of North America's largest electronic transaction processors, offering unique card transaction and payment
services for virtually every industry segment that accepts credit and/or debit card payments from its customers.
Moneris delivers advanced payment card processing capabilities through point-of-sale hardware, payment processing
software and e-commerce solutions. The company also provides transaction-processing services for numerous
agent banks and serves the small to medium-sized business market through direct sales and strategic partnerships.
Established in 2000 as a joint investment between the RBC Financial Group and the BMO Financial Group, which
have combined assets of approximately $700 billion, Moneris serves more than 350,000 North American merchant
locations and has a staff of over 1,200 employees. The company has headquarters in Toronto, Ontario. Moneris
Solutions, Inc.'s head office is located near Chicago, IL. For more information, please visit www.moneris.com
or www.monerisusa.com
For more information, contact:
| Walter Sawadsky Marketing Manager Blenz 604.682.2995 |
Steve Bestvater Marketing Manager Ernex, a division of Moneris Solutions Corporation 604.415.1500 pr@ernex.com |
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