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The Loyalty Newswire: October 15, 2018

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By: Wise Marketer Staff |

Posted on October 15, 2018

"Life moves pretty fast. If you don't stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it."  Its a quote from a (not that) old movie that somehow seems particularly relevant to the world of customer loyalty today.  We live at the intersection of sales, marketing, technology and behavioral psychology and today's Loyalty Newswire is proof that if you don't pay attention, you could easily get left behind.  Here's what we're following:

ALDI slams major supermarkets for 'pointless' rewards cards

Considering how many loyalty program members don’t really understand their programs, Aldi’s new campaign makes a valid point even if the concept is a bit creepy.  Funny video and great hair & makeup.

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Samsung sees smart homes as a ‘gamechanger for loyalty’

As convenience moves closer to becoming a reward in its own right, Samsung has correctly discerned the enormous opportunities to be opened up as smart homes become more mainstream. “Alexa, order me a double latte from Starbucks …”

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Tesco uses Clubcard data to help people eat more healthily

Here’s something we don’t hear much of: a positive big data story.  Tesco is using Clubcard data, marketing and partnerships to try and influence the choices its customers make in-store and encourage them to make healthier decisions.

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Best Western unveils chat bot, expanded Best Western Rewards

Pay attention to Best Western Rewards. They’re among the best-ranked hotel rewards programs in the U.S. at least partially because they are always innovating.

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Creating a Netflix-for-airlines loyalty model at $30/month

While they are not the first to try a subscription airline service, Mexico’s Volaris is intent on exploring new customer & revenue models. Lufthansa is also piloting a similar program in Europe.

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France's Monoprix says grocery alliance with Amazon Prime tops expectations

This story is really much more about Amazon’s ability to bring their logistics prowess to market anywhere they choose.  Tellingly, Monoprix says that any expansion plans are squarely in Amazon’s hands.

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Maverik Upgrades Its Adventure Club Loyalty Program

The C-Store space is wildly competitive and dynamic, which are two of the reasons we pay close attention to companies such as Maverik who seem to be innovating at a blistering pace.

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Tencent executive urges Europe to focus on ethical uses of artificial intelligence

It’s refreshing to see one of the world’s largest accumulators of data advocating for sensible and ethical applications.  We would like to see more of the tech giant universe making similar statements.

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Marriott’s Merger of Hotel Rewards Programs Tests Members’ Loyalty

Merging two of the largest rewards programs in the world is a complex undertaking so it’s not really surprising to hear about a few bumps in the road.  It’s another thing entirely though, when those bumps show up in the New York Times.

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Passengers Escorted Out Of Plane As Primera Air Goes Bankrupt

Speaking of fumbling the ball, it seems the nice people at now-defunct Primera Air decided they had nothing left to lose and quite literally abandoned their customers onboard.  Maybe with just a little bit of forethought this could have turned out differently.

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