Here's what we're following: Tesco takes a page out of the Amazon playbook with new subscription service, Google Play Points releases in the US, UPS launches holiday rewards program, Students develop a loyalty program to promote sustainability, the best workplaces in retail are shaking up the industry, Venmo launches first-ever cashback rewards program for major retailers, IHG opens first voco hotel in Saudi Arabia, Conversational A.I. will be a C-suite priority in 2020, and Emirates Airline has introduced 'money-can't-buy experiences' for loyalty members ...
Loyalty Program Announcements
Tesco Launches Amazon-Style Subscription Program
Quotable: “The move is a page out of the Amazon playbook, as the eCommerce giant has seen great success with its own subscription service, Amazon Prime. Earlier this year, a study revealed that more than half (51.3 percent) of U.S. households will have Amazon Prime memberships this year, which would equal 63.9 million households in total.”
Google is bringing its free Google Play rewards program to the US
Quotable: “Google announced today that its free rewards program for Google Play is rolling out over the next week in the US (via Android Central). Google says the program, called Google Play Points, will let you earn Play Points for anything you buy on Google Play, as well as for downloading “featured free apps and games.” Google Play Points first launched in Japan in September 2018 and South Korea in April 2019, according to TechCrunch, and Google says that “millions” of people joined the program.”
UPS launches holiday rewards program for use of Access Point delivery locations
Quotable: “UPS is launching a holiday rewards program to encourage customers to pick up packages at alternate locations through its Access Point network, which include Michaels stores, UPS Stores and local businesses like delis, dry cleaners and flower shops.”
Loyalty Strategy
Building Customer Loyalty: Is Texting the Answer?
Quotable: “Visitors expect to be able to complete a booking in just a few clicks or taps, meaning the entire booking flow should only take a few steps. Accessibility is key, and integrating text communication into your booking system can help you meet the demand of guests looking for the option to book around the clock.”
Students develop loyalty program for Julian’s Cafe to promote sustainability
Quotable: “The SLOstainable Loyalty Program includes a Julian’s loyalty card that awards users a free beverage for purchasing 10 drinks using a reusable cup. Customers also receive a coupon for 20 percent off the purchase of a Julian’s-branded mug or tumbler when they sign up for the program.”
Retail
How the Best Workplaces in Retail Are Shaking Up the Industry
Quotable: “Wegmans, for example, has a reputation for excellent service. This distinction owes in large part to the friendly way employees interact with customers and to the organization’s emphasis on experimentation. Those features—which result in what Great Place to Work calls an Innovation By All culture—stem from an egalitarian, caring workplace experience.”
Venmo launches cashback rewards program with major retailers
Quotable: “Venmo, the P2P platform from PayPal, is launching its first-ever rewards program that pays cash back to customers when they use their card at participating merchants, including Target, Dunkin' and Chevron stations ...”
Retail Sales Hit A Speed Bump In September; Consumers May Disappoint Retailers This Holiday Season
Quotable: “Retail sales took an unexpected dive in September, declining 0.3% from August, according to the Census Department advanced monthly retail sales report. On the plus side, retail sales advanced 4.1% over September 2018, including auto dealers, gas stations and restaurants.”
Education at the Wise Marketer
Loyalty Academy Heads to Brazil
An educational seminar will be held in São Paulo in cooperation with ABEMF, Brazil’s leading association for loyalty and CRM professionals. The “Best Practices in Loyalty Marketing” educational seminar will be held on November 25-26th, 2019. Visit here for information about the event and registration. Everyone who attends will earn course credits from the Loyalty Academy, enabling them to easily go on and earn their CLMP.
Hotels
IHG opens first voco Hotel in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Quotable: “The five-star flagship property underwent major redesigning and rebranding to launch under the voco brand and now features a range of upscale signature voco hallmarks: warm and bright inviting interiors, modern artworks representing the voco character and personality.”
Artificial Intelligence
Why conversational AI will become a c-suite priority in 2020
Quotable: “A recent Gartner report finds that by 2022, 70% of white-collar workers will interact with conversational platforms on a daily basis. There has been a more than 160% increase in client interest around implementing chatbots and associated technologies in 2018 from previous years," said Van Baker, a vice president at Gartner, in a statement. "This increase has been driven by customer service, knowledge management, and user support.”
Airlines
Emirates airline offers 'money-can't-buy experiences' through Skywards Exclusives
Quotable: “Through Skywards Exclusives, members will have access to curated and carefully crafted experiences at some of the world’s most high profile sporting events, concerts, VIP hospitality and money-can't-buy experiences, the airline said.”
The Loyalty Newswire is compiled and edited by the staff at The Wise Marketer.
