Why Stores Love Gift Cards (Even When You Use Them)

You can spend every cent of a gift card, and the store can still benefit before you ever shop. Follow one imaginary $50 card through the hidden economics of early payment, a future store visit, and the small balance left behind. Starbucks fiscal 2025 disclosures help separate prepaid obligations, breakage revenue, and profit: three very different things. CHAPTERS 0:00 The store gets paid first 1:33 The invisible head start 3:13 The destination is already chosen 4:53 The last $3.20 6:44 A real balance sheet 8:35 The promise still matters