TORONTO and CALGARY, AB -- (Marketwire) -- 02/20/13 -- Blackhawk Network (Canada) Ltd., a leading provider of prepaid and financial payments products for consumers and businesses, and Samba Days Gift Experiences today announced discounts on select gift cards for local products and services will be available at 20 flagship Safeway stores in Calgary and Vancouver, while supplies last. The cards, available on stand-alone displays and at checkout lanes, will offer discounts of 20 to 30 percent off face value.

Whether purchased for self-use or as a gift, it's all about saving money on fine dining, luxury spa treatments, premium hotels and more, from the convenience of your neighborhood grocery store. Unlike some daily deals available online, consumers do not have to be concerned about onerous restrictions such as blackout dates.

"Blackhawk Network (Canada) Ltd. strives to improve consumers' quality of life by giving them products and services that add value, convenience and savings to their daily routine," said Steve Dekker, Managing Director and Group Vice President, Blackhawk Network (Canada) Ltd. "This partnership with Samba Days puts consumers first, while encouraging them to support local Canadian businesses."

Consumers in Calgary can choose from a selection of deals including:

• Raw Bar - $75 value for $60, voted Best Seafood restaurant 2012 by Avenuecalgary.com
• Tower Cleaners - $50 value for $35, offers free pick-up and delivery
• Chicago Chophouse - $100 value for $79

Some examples of Vancouver options that will be available are:

• Sabai Thai Spa - $60 value for $45
• Galiano Inn & Spa - $200 value for $150
• Taste Vancouver Food Tours - $78 value for $59

"Samba Days provides the best possible gift experience to consumers, and offering serious value is core to that mission," said Alex Barseghian, Chief Experience Officer at Samba Days. "By partnering with Blackhawk Network (Canada) Ltd., we are able to bring the top brands and discounts to this gift card program, providing consumers with not just a great deal, but one that is delivered with the highest quality."

About Blackhawk Network (Canada) Ltd.
Blackhawk Network (Canada) Ltd. is a subsidiary of Blackhawk Network, Inc., which is a subsidiary of Safeway Inc. Blackhawk Network (Canada) Ltd. is a leading provider of prepaid and financial payments products for consumers and businesses. The company offers the industry's most popular prepaid gift card and telecom products from leading brands, and is available through a network of leading grocery stores, big box, convenience, pharmacy, and specialty stores. For more information about Blackhawk Network (Canada) Ltd. visit www.blackhawknetwork.com.

About Samba Days
Samba Days is Canada's largest gift experience company. Combining the convenience of a gift card with memorable experiences in the form of themed gift boxes, these popular packages are sold in over 2,200 retail outlets across Canada, including Safeway, Shoppers Drug Mart, and Rexall. Online, they are offered through Aeroplan, American Express, TD Rewards, Visa Infinite, PetroPoints and at www.sambadays.com. Boxes come in themes such as Adventure, Gourmet, Getaways, Wine and Spas.