Here's what we're following this week: New loyalty program for wine connoisseurs unveiled, Get a free pizza from Domino's for dining with competitors, CNBC's millennial-friendly content gains traction, Retailers struggle to keep up with Amazon, How Target became a model for U.S. retail, Walgreens closes nearly 160 walk-in clinics, Mobile banking apps score highest in user loyalty, and Artificial Intelligence enhances luxury retail brands. Read on.
Loyalty Program Announcements
First-of-Its-Kind Loyalty Program Rewards Wine Lovers for All Purchases at Wineries, Wine Clubs and Wine Shops Regardless of Brand
Quotable: “Just in time for the busiest wine-buying season of the year, wine lovers who purchase their favorite variety or vintage – regardless of brand – can earn their way to a treasure trove of wine-related rewards – from decanters and wine coolers to a Napa Valley wine tasting trip.”
Starting Saturday, you can earn free Domino‘s pizza for eating a slice from Pizza Hut
Quotable: “Starting Saturday, fans of can earn a free pizza — by buying pies from Pizza Hut, or other rivals. Members of Domino‘s loyalty program just need to scan a pizza through the company‘s mobile app to earn 10 points. The pie can be from anywhere, even homemade, as long as the app‘s artificial intelligence software recognizes that it has sauce, cheese and crust. The promotion is an extension of Domino‘s Piece of the Pie Rewards loyalty program ...”
Loyalty Strategy
'We have to build their loyalty sooner': why CNBC's millennial-friendly content is gaining traction
Quotable: “The media giant claims to have drawn 50 million unique visitors to its personal finance platform CNBC Make It, in Asia Pacific, Europe, Middle East and Africa. For its documentary-style video series, CNBC Reports and explainer series CNBC Explains, it claims to have drawn more than 100m viewers.”
Hotels
Loyalty Program Showdown: Hotels.com Rewards vs. Orbitz Rewards
Quotable: “Confused by byzantine hotel loyalty programs? Don’t travel often enough to earn top-tier status? You might be a good candidate for an OTA (online travel agency) rewards program. These loyalty programs offer far more flexibility with fewer complications than standard hotel loyalty programs, which tie you to a particular brand.”
Retail
Chasing Amazon, Retailers Are in a Never-Ending Arms Race
Quotable: “Retailers are trying everything they can to keep up with Amazon. Macy’s offers same-day delivery and in-store returns for online purchases. Black Friday deals are already starting at Kohl’s. And craft cocktails are served in the women’s shoe department at Nordstrom.”
In a Class By Itself: How Target Became the Model in U.S. Retail
Quotable: “Yes, Target. The cheap-chic retailer -- in distress just five years ago -- has morphed into a model for how to avoid the retail apocalypse. Over that time, Chief Executive Officer Brian Cornell has overseen a $7 billion turnaround plan that includes opening and remodeling hundreds of stores, creating dozens of exclusive private-label brands and expanding the ways it gets its merchandise into shoppers’ hands.”
Walgreens Closes Nearly 160 Walk-In Clinics – What It Means for Retail Healthcare
Quotable: “Walgreens made headlines recently with the news that it was getting out of the walk-in clinic business. The news sparked interesting reactions across the industry. Some pundits pointed to managerial missteps; healthcare delivery insiders breathed a sigh of relief, while others shot a knowing smile that said, “I told you so. Healthcare is complex and retail stores can’t do healthcare delivery.”
Loyalty Education (The Loyalty Academy)
302 - The Intersection of Loyalty and Payments
Learn how the changing payments landscape may impact the loyalty marketing industry. This course has been newly developed for the 2019-2020 curriculum. It will focus on building a foundational understanding of how the payments industry, and all of its disruptive technologies, will help evolve the principals and practices of loyalty marketing in both the present environment and the future. Register now!
Mobile
Mobile Banking Apps Score Highest User Loyalty Level, New Report from Adjust and App Annie Reveals
Quotable: “Payment app uptake is strong; however, moderate retention rates suggest marketers would do well to use more channels and approaches to activate and motivate their audiences. An analysis of retention rates across 15 app categories shows Payment apps have room to grow.”
Artificial Intelligence
Why Luxury Brands Need Artificial Intelligence
Quotable: “AI is part of a state-of-the-art digital infrastructure that I suggest all brands implement. An advanced digital toolset is the game-changer for managing luxury brands. In my view, it’s not optional — it’s a necessity for luxury brands to remain competitive in a rapidly changing market environment.”
Airlines
Explaining Southwest's Recent Rapid Rewards Update
Quotable: “Last month Southwest Airlines announced three updates to their Rapid Rewards frequent flyer program. Typically when travel and hospitality rewards programs are updated, it results in a net-negative for consumers. These changes, however, are more of a mixed bag. The updates have also resulted in some confusion.”
Qantas' Frequent Flyer Deal with BP to Get the Go-Ahead
Quotable: “In a draft determination on Friday, the ACCC said it was proposing to grant authorisation allowing Qantas, BP Australia and independent BP petrol stations to collectively participate in the BP Rewards, Qantas Frequent Flyer and Qantas Business Reward programs.”
The Loyalty Newswire is compiled and edited by the staff at The Wise Marketer.