Loyalty Marketing

Unfazed by store closures, shoppers plan to get most of their holiday shopping done in-store this year.    Nearly three-quarters of consumers (71%) plan to do the majority of their holiday shopping in physical stores — the same percentage from a similar poll a year ago. Additionally, the vast majority (88%) plan to at least visit stores this holiday season.  

Macy's is overhauling its loyalty program, putting a new focus on its best customers.   The department store retailer is revamping its Star Rewards program with a tiered rewards system that gives its very best shoppers (those who spend $1,200 or more annually) such perks as free shipping, additional savings and earned points on every purchase.  

American Eagle Outfitters has gone omnichannel with its loyalty program.   The teen apparel retailer announced the launch of AEO Connected, a highly digitized loyalty program for its American Eagle and Aerie customers. Over 16 million current rewards members were immediately converted to AEO Connected.   

More and more Americans plan to get an early start on their holiday shopping. And they also plan on spending more.    Nearly half (45%) of Americans plan to start holiday shopping before November, with one in four starting before October, according to RetailMeNot's 2017 Holiday Retail Trends and Guide. Retailers are capitalizing on this earlier start: Nearly 80% indicated they will begin holiday marketing efforts earlier this year.   

Amazon is giving Hilton Honors members a new way to redeem their points.    The global hospitality company is joining Amazon’s Shop With Points program, a move that will enable Hilton Honors members to redeem their loyalty points for purchases on Amazon. Hilton is the first hotel brand to join Amazon’s program.   

Social media plays a huge role — bigger than pricing — when it comes to influencing the purchase decisions of Generation Z.   

Amazon is putting Fashion Week couture items into Londoners’ hands within an hour.   Amazon is partnering with designer Nicola Formichetti to offer one-hour delivery to London-based Prime customers. Available items were originally featured on the catwalk during a London Fashion Week fashion show on Saturday night, according to Reuters.  

Rue La La members are getting a new “perk” for their loyalty.   The online fashion retailer is partnering with Dunkin' Donuts in a new mobile marketing program. In a move to bolster the coffee giant’s DD Perks loyalty rewards program, models in Rue La La’s custom-branded, shoppable boutique, "Girl on the Go: Fall Style,” will be touting Dunkin’ Donuts beverages as accessories to their fall looks.