Loyalty Programs

In this episode of Total Retail Tech Insights, Editor-in-Chief Joe Keenan speaks with Len Covello, chief technology officer at Engage People, the only loyalty network that enables program members to pay with points directly at checkout. Listen in as Covello provides an overview of the business and his role (1:00), Engage People's unique pay-with-points capabilities…

The grocery sector is facing a unique convergence of economic pressure, shifting shopping habits, and rapid artificial intelligence adoption. According to Capital One Shopping, 28 percent of American adults now grocery shop online at least once per month. Sales are mirroring this, as U.S. online grocery sales reached $10 billion in July, a 26 percent…

For two decades, Amazon.com has been the gold standard for “effortless shopping.” One-click checkout, simple returns, and friction-free buying built a habit that reshaped consumer expectations. The magic wasn’t just about speed — it was certainty. You knew you could return anything. You knew checkout wouldn’t make you second-guess. Amazon has redefined what shoppers expect…

For years, Black Friday and Cyber Monday (BFCM) have been known for deep discounts and deals. Brands fought to outdo each other with bigger promotions, steeper markdowns, and one-time offers designed to create a frenzy. Shoppers ran to stores and online platforms, treating the weekend as the biggest shopping event of the year. However, the…

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…