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Loyalty Newswire – February 22nd, 2022

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By: Wise Marketer Staff |

Posted on February 22, 2022

Welcome back to the Wise Marketer! That is, if you've been here before! Each week, our team of editors curate a list of the latest customer loyalty, technology, and other relevant marketing news. Our goal is to make it simple for busy professionals to quickly digest important industry news and trending topics. Show your support by joining our mailing list to gain access to exclusive content, events, promotions, and more. Or simply enjoy today's newswire!

  • QDOBA updated its existing rewards program to simplify redemption experience
  • Snipp Interactive finalizes acquisition of Gambit Rewards, a leader in loyalty gaming
  • Bakkt's recent study shows rise of consumer interest in crypto rewards
  • Newsweek and Statista released their 2022 list of America's Best Loyalty Programs
  • After reporting solid fourth-quarter earnings, Macy's cancels plans to split e-commerce operations from store
  • Klarna expands its operations to Canada, and announces plans to support local economy
  • Alaska Airlines unveils the first-ever subscription-based travel offering

LOYALTY PROGRAM NEWS

QDOBA Launches All-New Rewards Program Making it Easier for Members to Earn Flavorful Rewards Fast

Highlight: With a simplified format and two-tier loyalty system, most previous QDOBA Rewards members can now enjoy the flavors they crave for free after fewer restaurant visits. The streamlined system also makes the redemption process easier by automatically placing entrée rewards in members' wallets, so free flavor opportunities are never missed… “After listening closely to what matters most to our fans, we've introduced a simplified and easier-to-understand program that rewards people with free food fast for eating what they already love,” said Keith Guilbault, CEO of QDOBA. “Our guests appreciate that we have set up a program that gets them to flavorful rewards fast, as we've already seen a 20% increase in weekly sign-ups since the program launched.”

Snipp Closes Acquisition of Loyalty Gaming Pioneer, Gambit Rewards

Highlight: Atul Sabharwal, Founder and CEO of Snipp stated: “Since announcing the proposed acquisition of Gambit, a trailblazer in the Loyalty Gaming sector, we have received a flurry of interest from leading players in the iGaming and Sports Betting industry in America. As previously announced, one of the strategic rationales of this acquisition was the opportunity to license our SnippCARE (Customer Acquisition, Retention and Engagement) Platform to an entirely new industry – the iGaming and online sports betting industry, but also to the related traditional casino-entertainment vertical. We are excited by the depth and quality of some of the conversations that we are now having with some of the leading players in these industries. These were largely the result of our acquisition of Gambit and we are confident we will see resulting near term revenue opportunities for our SnippCARE Platform as a result…”

Bakkt Study Examines Loyalty & Rewards Preferences of Digital Assets Among U.S. Consumers

Highlight: Earning cash back has long been the leading choice for the average U.S. consumer. However, the results of the study signal a new challenger. The growing ubiquity of cryptocurrency is shifting consumer behavior as 72% of those who purchased crypto at least one time in the past six months, are likely to redeem loyalty points for cryptocurrency. In addition, about half of crypto buyers are interested in earning cryptocurrency instead of points. The ability to earn crypto as a reward for everyday spending is quickly rising to the preference level of earning cash back instead of points… “We’re witnessing in real-time the prominence of cryptocurrency in transforming customer experiences, including a rise in the demand for more flexible options such as redeeming points for cryptocurrency or instead earning cryptocurrency as an option,” said Bakkt Chief Product Officer of Loyalty & Rewards, Nancy Gordon.

America's Best Loyalty Programs 2022

Highlight: Brands have adopted a number of different strategies in order to make their loyalty programs stand out. One important trend is gamification: introducing digital games into loyalty programs in a variety of ways to engage customers and develop a sense of community among them. Wendy's, for example, has its own channel on the video game livestreaming platform Twitch. Chipotle has done a Halloween promotion in partnership with the game platform Roblox, in which users are invited to try to navigate the “Boorito maze”—and visit its busy online restaurant—to win branded virtual items as well as real-life food… The only constant in loyalty programs right now is change. To try to help make some sense of that and highlight the brands whose customers like their loyalty programs the best, Newsweek and Statista are proud to offer our list of America's Best Loyalty Programs 2022.

RETAIL NEWS

Macy’s earnings top estimates, retailer says it won’t spin off e-commerce from stores

Highlight: Macy’s on Tuesday reported fiscal fourth-quarter earnings and sales that outpaced analysts’ estimates and said that a strategic review has prompted the retailer to accelerate its turnaround plans. It is rejecting calls from activist Jana Partners for it to split its e-commerce operations from its stores, following a similar move by Saks Fifth Avenue. Macy’s had been working with consulting firm AlixPartners to consider the best path forward for the business… During the holiday period, the department store chain said it brought in roughly 7.2 million new customers. Chief Executive Jeff Gennette said it was able to deliver the solid results despite Covid-19-related disruptions, supply chain issues, labor shortages and elevated inflation.

PAYMENTS NEWS

Klarna expands to Canada with flexible "Pay in 4" service and shopping app, while announcing major investment in local economy

Highlight: Starting today, Canadian shoppers can pay using Klarna's “Pay in 4” service online, in-store and via the Klarna app while checking out with Klarna's integrated retail partners including Canadian brands Harry Rosen, Mejuri, and Frank And Oak, and global retailers such as adidas, Sephora Canada, L'Oreal Canada, and GameStop. “Consumers across the world are moving away from traditional credit models to alternatives that better meet their expectations by offering smarter and more transparent ways to purchase, and the Canadian shopper is no different. Recent Klarna research has found that at least half of Canadian shoppers ages 25-56 are looking for flexible payment options at checkout,” said Sebastian Siemiatkowski, Co-Founder and CEO, Klarna. “With our expansion to Canada, we are bringing consumers the more sustainable, flexible payment alternatives they are looking for, empowering them to save time, money and make more informed financial decisions.”

TRAVEL & HOSPITALITY NEWS

Alaska Airlines launches first-ever flight subscription service in the US - say yes to more adventures with Flight Pass

Highlight: As the only major airline headquartered on the West Coast, Alaska Airlines is blazing a new path for travel with the debut of Flight Pass, an innovative, subscription-based travel offering that takes value and flexibility to the next level. Available starting today, Flight Pass members can fly up to 24 roundtrip flights a year to the most popular routes within California, as well as nonstop service from California airports to Reno, Phoenix and Las Vegas, for a fixed monthly rate… “Flight Pass builds on our mission to offer travelers the most West Coast destinations at the best value,” said Alex Corey, managing director of business development and products for Alaska Airlines. “Our commitment to care means offering convenient and affordable options that fit our guests' lifestyle and connect them to where they want to go…”

Did you miss the previous newswire? Stay informed: Loyalty Newswire – February 14th, 2022

The Loyalty Newswire is compiled and edited by the staff at The Wise Marketer.