Here’s what we’re following in loyalty news this week:
- Publix launches its first membership program dubbed Club Publix
- Giant announces launch of Flexible Rewards program
- How brands communicate with their customers about COVID-19 may influence customer loyalty in the future
- Apple temporarily eliminating interest fees for Apple Card holders
- 7-Eleven partners with Arcus to cater to cash customers in Latin America
- Walmart, Home Depot and McDonald's, among others, share how the coronavirus has disrupted business
- Retail industry plummeting as stores close due to COVID-19
- Global airlines face potential bankruptcy due to coronavirus
LOYALTY PROGRAM NEWS:
Publix Introduces Club Publix for a Personalized Experience
Quotable: “This free program bundles together a number of digital features, including early notifications of BOGOs and other sales, the ability to pay with a simple scan of the Publix app, and the option to receive e-receipts. Club Publix adds personalization to these digital features with exclusive member perks and personalized content. 'We’re always looking for ways to create a more convenient and rewarding shopping experience for our customers that delivers more of what matters to them,' said Publix Vice President of Marketing Mark Irby.”
Giant Improved Loyalty Program to Offer Even More Rewards
Quotable: “'We are delighted to expand our popular Giant Gas Rewards program, which allows shoppers to earn savings against the purchase of fuel at Giant or participating Shell stations,' said Ryan Draude, Director of Loyalty at Giant. 'By giving customers the power to customize their rewards, shoppers can choose rewards that fit their lifestyle every time they redeem. This launch is the first step toward more rewards for every Giant customer...'”
LOYALTY STRATEGY NEWS:
How Brands are Communicating About Coronavirus (COVID-19)
Quotable: “Thursday was the tipping point for communications about COVID-19 from many of our favorite brands. Our staffers noticed their email inboxes flooded with dozens of emails from airlines, restaurants, hotels, and others stating their policies regarding the spreading Coronavirus.”
PAYMENTS NEWS:
Coronavirus relief: Apple Card users can apply to skip interest payment in March
Quotable: “Apple is reportedly providing coronavirus relief by eliminating some fees for Apple Card users in March. The iPhone maker recently sent an email to its credit card customers alerting them about a program set to temporarily eliminate interest payments, according to a screenshot posted on Reddit and confirmed by CNET.”
7-Eleven Partners with Arcus to Launch Modern Fintech Payment Solutions in Latin America
Quotable: “'At 7-Eleven, we want to help make life more convenient for our customers. By introducing bill pay services via 7-Eleven’s mobile app, we’re able to help our cash-centric customers with even the tightest schedules to easily and conveniently stay on top of their bills,' said Hernan Motealvo, Director of Operations at 7-Eleven.”
RETAIL NEWS:
Walmart, McDonald's, Home Depot, and 16 other retailers share how the coronavirus outbreak could affect business
Quotable: “So far, international companies have had to contend with shuttering stores in affected areas, accommodating sick and worried employees, and dealing with supply chain disruptions ... Here's a look at how different big-box stores, luxury brands, and fast-food chains are responding to the coronavirus...”
These retailers are closing stores to slow coronavirus outbreak
Quotable: “The decisions, while smart for customers, workers and the community at large, will no doubt weigh heavily on the already-stressed retail industry. One analyst has estimated this could result in a record year for permanent retail store closures, which could mount to over 15,000.”
AIRLINE NEWS:
Global airlines face bankruptcy by May if governments don’t intervene, warns aviation consultant
Quotable: “The grim prognosis comes in one of the bloodiest weeks for airlines, which are fast running out of cash as hundreds of thousands of fleets are grounded as they battle to survive travel restrictions and country lockdowns that have engulfed the industry in crisis.”
The Loyalty Newswire is compiled and edited by the staff at The Wise Marketer.
