3 ways to ensure a loyalty program pays off

Retailers need to be convenient, responsive and memorable. At every touchpoint, we should strive to answer the question "how is this helping shoppers out?"

5 tidbits from the CONNECT Mobile Innovation Summit

by Will Hernandez — Editor, NetWorld Media Group

No matter which way you turn these days, mobile (or mobility) is at the center of most conversations for banks, retailers, restaurants and any other…

How to build an innovative loyalty program

Investing in a loyalty program seems like a logical way to retain customers and spread the word about product. But is it a good approach with shopping apps?

5 signs you're in a relationship with the consumer … or not

by Chris Petersen — Owner, IMS

The most important 'sale' made every day is building relationships.

A beautiful find: How 2 grocers stock relevance through sustainability

by Bryan Pearson — President, LoyaltyOne

The issue of sustainability in the supermarket aisle is no longer a question. It is the answer to retaining relevance among earth-conscious consumers.

Starbucks loyalty change brews anger, filters out value of experience

by Bryan Pearson — President, LoyaltyOne

The shift in how members of My Starbucks Rewards earn stars may be a test of its customer loyalty, but with the program's expanding mobile payment and other…

9 things to know about retail loyalty programs

by Bryan Pearson — President, LoyaltyOne

From the tangible value of data assets to stealth pricing, loyalty programs can offer retailers many advantages that are little understood. Here are nine…

Investing in loyalty: How a family-run chain may just upstage big brands

by Bryan Pearson — President, LoyaltyOne

Supermarket chain H-E-B’s plan to give workers a stake in the company hints at technological capabilities that enable retailers to better compensate their…

Seeking youth, Macy's flagship gets a $400M face-lift. But what of loyalty?

by Bryan Pearson — President, LoyaltyOne

Youth comes but once, but if you are a retailer, it comes continuously. As Macy's continues its three-year strategy to appeal to teen shoppers, a flagship…

REI, sales and cold turkey: How some brands live the mission, and some miss it

by Bryan Pearson — President, LoyaltyOne

REI’s daring decision to close its doors on Black Friday represents the latest effort in the broadening movement of conscientious consumerism. The hitch for…

5 'don’ts' and 1 ‘do’ for making the customer experience rich and robust

by Judy Mottl — Editor: RetailCustomerExperience.com & DigitalSignageToday.com, Connect Media

Simple, common sense strategies in communicating with shoppers can prove rewarding for businesses and consumers.

How loyalty programs can drive retailers, customers to embrace mobile payments

by Tal Nathanel — Co-Founder and U.S. CEO, MyCheck

The point of sale is a valuable moment to boost a consumer's experience. If managed right it can also be a huge loyalty-boosting event.

Propelling change requires innovation, talent and technology

by Lori Mitchell-Keller — Senior Vice President and Global Head, SAP Retail Business Unit at SAP, SAP

It’s hard to change someone’s mind once they have it made up right? But retailers expect this every day. We expect shoppers to change brands and behaviors, and…

Is your promotional process a positive customer experience?

A robust promotional strategy has become an integral element of nearly every organization’s marketing mix. However, promotions without the right structure…

Taking a closer look at AmEx's land of Plenti

by Bryan Pearson — President, LoyaltyOne

Once again, one of the latest trends in U.S. retail is following that of Europe, and even the world. Like shifting hemlines and boot heights, the launch of the…

How to turn angry customers into customer evangelists

by Shep Hyken — CAO, Shepard Presentations

Like most brilliant ideas, the premise is simple, but the results are excellent. It not only resolves the customer's complaint and restores confidence in the…

Making a 'lovemark': How Coke and Burberry derive devotion digitally

by Bryan Pearson — President, LoyaltyOne

If colas and coats can claim one thing in common it is this: Two of the best-known makers of each are trying to transform the historic into meteoric through…

From stock options to oranges: Whole Foods Rewards is a natural for growth

by Bryan Pearson — President, LoyaltyOne

Whole Foods is enjoying the fruits of its marketing labor these days, but its long-term success may rely more on its affinity for workers than affinity with…

Why customer service and branding are the same thing

by Andrew Sharpe — Retail Strategist, BRANDSPANK

If you aren't investing in customer service, you're omitting the most influential piece of your brand's story.

Four ways to take advantage of Target Canada's loss

by Bryan Pearson — President, LoyaltyOne

There are many things a loyalty marketing platform can resolve for a brand, but as Target recently demonstrated with its expensive failure in Canada, it cannot…