Loyalty Programs

Target is promising a large holiday splash amidst a better-than-expected August U.S. sales report, announcing the return of its pre-holiday deals as well as new merchandise and faster delivery. The Minneapolis-based retailer announced its Circle Week savings for its loyalty members will return Oct. 5-11. The Circle membership is free to join, but Target also…

Amazon.com is eliminating its Invitee program that allowed Prime members to share their free shipping benefits with nonmembers outside the household, multiple news outlets reported this week. For 15 years, Amazon allowed members of its loyalty Prime program to share the free, two-day shipping perk attached to a Prime membership with anyone, not just people…

Fanatics on Tuesday launched a new loyalty program that will reward sports fans for buying merchandise and apparel, trading cards and placing sports bets, reports CNBC. The program, called Fanatics ONE, is the company’s first cross-business loyalty program and will offer members points for purchases across its sports merchandise business, collectibles, and trading cards, as…

CPG brands are losing loyalty at a time when they need it most. In a new era marked by slow economic growth and rising prices, a recent survey of 400 U.S. consumers reveals how tightening budgets are reshaping brand loyalty. As loyalty frays, consumers are driven less by emotional brand attachment and more by value,…

Consumer price sensitivity continues as we dive into Q3, with inflation having accelerated in June. This means shoppers are wary of spending, with dollars being stretched further than ever. But retailers are dealing with a cost-intensive environment, too, and their razor-thin margins can’t withstand prolonged downturns in spending. What they need from customers is both…

As digital assets become more mainstream, businesses are exploring practical, low-risk ways to enter the crypto economy. Stablecoin payouts and loyalty rewards have emerged as some of the most accessible options, offering immediate operational benefits and deeper engagement with digital-native consumers. Meeting Digital-Native Expectations Millennials and Gen Z are leading the adoption of crypto wallets…

High inflation, supply chain issues, and abrupt shifts in political and trade policy have made personal finances a primary concern for consumers, with 61 percent of Americans believing the U.S. economy is headed for a recession in the coming year. While consumers prepare for an economic downturn, retailers should fine-tune their loyalty programs to leverage…

The plethora of brand loyalty programs have led to an engagement challenge for marketers as many customers don’t stay as active members for long after sign-up. Gartner's 2024 Consumer Omnibus Survey found that 79 percent of consumers did not actively use all of the loyalty programs they joined. In today's competitive market, brand partnerships have…

Loyalty programs are indispensable tools for brands aiming to harness customer data, drive revenue growth, and enhance the lifetime value of their customers. However, membership in these programs doesn't guarantee customers will remain actively engaged. According to Gartner research, 79 percent of customers who participate in loyalty programs say they do not actively use all…

It’s no secret that today’s consumers crave experiences, interactions and benefits beyond cookie-cutter promotional emails that use their first names. Retailers recognize this desire from customers and so continue collecting their data to create improved membership programs and personalized experiences. Nevertheless, customers remain unsatisfied. Why? Consumers believe loyalty flows in only one direction, from the…