Loyalty Programs

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…

Loyalty programs have long been a cornerstone of customer retention strategies. However, many still fall short of delivering the personalized experiences customers expect. Traditional loyalty programs often rely on static rules and broad segmentation, offering generic rewards that fail to inspire true loyalty. Predictive artificial intelligence is changing that. It enables brands to build smarter…

Shoppers today expect brands to know them, engage them, and offer value beyond transactions. Loyalty programs that once thrived on simple rewards are evolving into something much more powerful: dynamic customer ecosystems that foster deeper relationships, personalized experiences and long-term engagement. This transformation is being driven by rising consumer expectations. Shoppers now demand seamless, rewarding…

As retailers refine their 2025 marketing strategies against signs of softening demand, one key priority should be improving shopper engagement and loyalty program return on investment. According to Deloitte’s 2025 U.S. Retail Industry Outlook, six in 10 retail executives anticipate consumers will value price over loyalty this year. This makes it even more critical that…

American consumers have become value-obsessed, shaping their shopping behaviors. In the last quarter of 2024, McKinsey reported that 74 percent of U.S. shoppers admitted to trading down — i.e., switching retailers, delaying purchases, or seeking better value — despite spending more overall than in previous years when adjusted for inflation. However, with recent reports showing…