The Loyalty Newswire from The Wise Marketer
This edition covers: 7-Eleven, Accor ALL, Aéropostale, Aurora Cannabis, CLMP™, EG Group, Fresh Market, IHG, Incentivio, IndiGo BluChip, JCPenney, Kroger, Leal Hub, Lidl, Payments, Paytronix, QIB, QSR Loyalty, Revolut, Save Mart, Self-Checkout, Square, TATA Starbucks, US Market, Walgreens, ZIP Code Marketing
FROM THE EDITOR
Grocers dominated the headlines this week, with five chains rolling out major loyalty moves:
- Kroger merges its Fuel Points and shopping rewards into a single flexible “Points” currency, redeemable for fuel discounts or dollars off groceries in-store and online.
- The Fresh Market relaunches its program as TFM Rewards alongside a redesigned app, sharpening its focus on personalization and convenience.
- Save Mart and Lucky stores roll out automatic Member Pricing across California and Western Nevada — savings apply the moment shoppers enter their phone number, no coupon clipping required.
- US Market debuts US Market Rewards on July 1, its first-ever loyalty program, offering fuel savings and app-based perks.
- Lidl US retires myLidl in favor of Lidl Plus, a new points-based rewards app launching July 1.
- Aéropostale launches its first-ever loyalty program and links it with JCPenney’s, letting shoppers earn value at either mall staple.
Beyond the grocery aisle, don’t miss Rhode Island’s new self-checkout restrictions, a sharp read on resetting QSR loyalty in a K-shaped economy, and details on this fall’s CLMP™ training workshop in Mexico City — all inside.
Bill Hanifin, Managing Editor — The Wise Marketer
SHORT TAKES
- [Global] What It Takes to Become—and Remain—an Effective CEO
- [India] Accor ALL and IndiGo BluChip Partnership Could Finally Go Live in July 2026
- [UK] IHG x Revolut Essential & Elite Debit Cards Launch Offer, June 30
- [US] 7-Eleven Franchisees Impacted by Data Breach
- [US] Incentivio and Square Launch Integration to Power Ordering and Loyalty for Restaurants
- [US] Rhode Island Becomes First State with Self-Checkout Restrictions
- [US] Why QSR Loyalty Needs a Reset in a K-Shaped Economy
- [US] Why ZIP Codes Matter More Than TV Markets Now
CLMP™ TRAINING SPOTLIGHT — MEXICO CITY
Certified Loyalty Marketing Training™ Workshop Coming to Mexico City
Leal Hub, the leading customer loyalty and strategy consultancy in Mexico, is hosting a CLMP™ workshop with the Loyalty Academy in Mexico City on 21 & 22 October. This is the credential that distinguishes professionals who design and lead customer strategies in B2C and B2B markets. An important professional development opportunity for loyalty practitioners in the region.
FEATURED STORIES
Rewards Access Connects JCPenney and Aéropostale Loyalty Programs
Aéropostale has launched its first-ever loyalty rewards program — and linked it directly with JCPenney’s. Under the new Rewards Access partnership, purchases at either mall staple, whether online, in-app, or in-store, earn value redeemable at both brands. The cross-brand tie-up turns two independent retailers into a shared value ecosystem, giving shoppers more reasons to stay loyal to the pairing rather than either store alone.
Kroger Rewards Program Expands with New Ways to Save
Kroger is giving its rewards program members more flexibility in how they save. Points once locked into fuel discounts — formerly branded “Fuel Points” — can now also be redeemed for dollars off groceries in-store and online, at $1 off for every 100 Points redeemed, up to $10 per day. Fuel redemptions remain available at 10 cents per gallon for every 100 Points. The rebrand simplifies the program to a single, flexible “Points” currency members can direct wherever it saves them the most.
The Fresh Market Introduces Enhanced Loyalty Program, Updated App
Premium grocery retailer The Fresh Market unveiled two major digital enhancements this week: a revamped loyalty program and a newly redesigned mobile app. The program relaunches under a new name, TFM Rewards, reflecting the company’s sharpened focus on delivering greater value, personalization, and convenience to guests. The updates mark a key step in The Fresh Market’s broader digital experience strategy as it works to deepen engagement with its guest base.
Save Mart, Lucky Stores Come Out with Member Pricing
The Save Mart Companies has launched Member Pricing across Save Mart and Lucky locations throughout California and Western Nevada. Rewards members no longer need to clip a coupon to save at checkout — Member Prices apply automatically as soon as shoppers enter their phone number. The move streamlines the redemption experience and removes friction that has long kept some loyalty members from capturing their full savings.
US Market to Debut Rewards Program in July
US Market, a 62-location Oregon-based convenience retailer, will launch its first-ever loyalty program, US Market Rewards, on July 1. Accessible through the company’s mobile app, the program lets customers earn points on fuel, food, and in-store purchases and redeem them for discounts and exclusive offers, including 10 cents off every gallon of fuel. The launch caps a growth stretch that has also included a new headquarters, a Cinnabon franchise partnership, and 15 new store openings since last year.
Lidl US Prepares to Roll Out New Loyalty Program
Lidl US plans to retire its current loyalty program, myLidl, on June 30 and transition to a new rewards app, Lidl Plus, on July 1. The app will let shoppers accumulate points redeemable for free products, unlock personalized coupons, and trigger member-exclusive pricing at checkout. The rollout arrives as newly named CEO Alan Barry prepares to assume his role, with some offers not available until July 15.
TATA Starbucks (India) Reimagines Its Loyalty Program with New Rewards and Enhanced Benefits
TATA Starbucks has launched its reimagined Starbucks Rewards program, featuring Green, Gold, and the newly introduced Reserve tier. The enhanced program is designed to deliver greater member value through faster earning, easier redemption, and access to a broader suite of rewards, benefits, and experiences as customers progress through the tiers.
QIB (Qatar) Rewards Customers Through Its Absher Loyalty Program
Qatar Islamic Bank (QIB), Qatar’s leading digital bank, continues to reward customers through its Absher Rewards Program, one of the bank’s flagship value-added offerings. The program is designed to deliver meaningful rewards and flexible redemption options that complement customers’ everyday lifestyle and financial needs, reinforcing QIB’s broader push to deepen engagement across its digital banking base.
EG Group Files IPO Plan with U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission
EG Group, owner of convenience retail brands including Cumberland Farms, Fastrac, Kwik Shop, Loaf ‘N Jug, Minit Mart, QuikStop, Sprint, Tom Thumb, and Turkey Hill, has filed an early IPO plan with the SEC. The confidential filing targets a market listing that could value the company at more than $9 billion — a signal that scale in convenience retail, loyalty programs included, continues to command investor interest.
Paytronix Research Highlights the Power of Geofenced Data for Convenience Retailers
Paytronix’s newly published 2026 C-Store Online Ordering Insights Mini Report finds that 67% of geofenced food purchases represent incremental revenue for convenience retailers — underscoring how location-based targeting can convert nearby shoppers into net-new sales rather than simply shifting existing spend.
Aurora Cannabis Plans to Enter the US Market
Aurora Cannabis, listed on the Nasdaq under the symbol ACB, runs medical cannabis operations in 12 countries and has built its business around good manufacturing practices and regulatory compliance. The company has now announced plans to enter the U.S. market, a move that could reshape the competitive landscape for cannabis retail loyalty programs as the category matures.
Walgreens Settles Class Action Suit Over Generic Drug Pricing
Walgreens has agreed to pay over $100 million to settle a class action lawsuit alleging the pharmacy fraudulently overcharged insured patients for generic drugs. The suit claimed Walgreens required customers using insurance, Medicare, or Medicaid to pay more than members of its Prescription Savings Club paid for the same medications — a reminder that pricing transparency across membership tiers carries real legal exposure.
A Seat at the Table for Merchants — Let’s Define the Future of Payments Together
The U.S. Faster Payments Council is inviting merchants to help shape the rules for dispute and exception resolution on new instant-payment rails like FedNow and RTP — a rare seat at the table for retailers who have long been left out of payments-system design. For loyalty and payments teams alike, the work will help define how fraud, chargebacks, and disputes are handled as faster payments scale.
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