Safeway to Sell McDonald's Gift Cards

PLEASANTON, Calif. - Blackhawk Network, a subsidiary of Safeway here, reported an alliance with McDonald's, Oak Brook, Ill., and P2W, which is the operating arm for the McDonald's Arch Card program in the United States, to sell McDonald's Arch Cards in 1,500 U.S. Safeway stores including Dominick's, Vons, Pavilions, Genuardi's, Randalls, Tom Thumb and Carrs. McDonald's Arch Card is a convenience spending card for redemption at McDonald's. "We are delighted to work with McDonald's and P2W on this program," said Don Kingsborough, president and chief executive officer, Blackhawk Network. "McDonald's is at the forefront of the quick-service restaurant industry and the Arch Card represents the next level in providing a convenient way to pay for meals. As McDonald's customers shop at their neighborhood Safeway stores this holiday season and beyond, they'll discover that the Arch Card is a great gift for family and friends." Safeway stores will be among the first to offer the Arch Card outside of a McDonald's restaurant, Safeway said in a release. The McDonald's Arch Card was introduced nationwide last year.