Loyalty Marketing

Walmart is reviving a familiar icon to be the symbol of its low-price marketing.

The discounter announced it is bringing back its yellow smiley image, which has been in hibernation for some 10 years. The image can already be seen in some digital advertising and will expand to television ads and select in-store signage next week.

Ulta Beauty turned in what could be the best retail performance of the first quarter, posting strong brick-and-mortar and online growth and results that easily topped estimates. The company boosted its guidance for the year.    Ulta’s net sales for the quarter, ended May 2, surged 23.7% to $1.07 billion, up from $868.1 million in the year-ago period, and surpassing estimates for $1.03 billion. E-commerce sales shot up 38.8% to $61.0 million from $44.0 million last year.  

Consumers who use mobile devices for shopping are prime targets for retailer loyalty programs.   According to a new study from Forrester Research, “Master Your Mobile Loyalty Moments,” customers who participate in loyalty programs are more likely to be mobile. Forrester data shows 31% of loyalty program members, but only 15% of all U.S. online adults, will use a brand’s mobile app.  

Hotels have become a vital component of successful mixed use retail properties, something Robert Habeeb knows a lot about given his role as president and CEO of First Hospitality Group.
 

Photo: CVS Pharmacy President Helena Foulkes unveiled digital receipts in a surprise appearance on ABC's Jimmy Kimmel Live on Friday evening.

The Grand Bazaar Shops in Las Vegas has added an experiential element to the center, which lets visitors play games and engage with tenants in new ways.
 
The introduction of new interactive, digital games means guests can now play games on their phones and the center’s website to win prizes redeemable across Grand Bazaar Shops’ retail and dining venues.
 

When it comes to marketing, retailers should adopt a truly “omnichannel” approach.

According to a new consumer survey from digital marketing firm Fluent, “The Omnichannel Advantage,” consumers who are reached through a greater number of channels make in-store and online purchases from their favorite retailers more frequently.

With a young, trend-conscious customer base, Forever 21 needs to cater to shopper demand, in and out of the store.

The Los Angeles-based, 760-store-plus specialty apparel retailer is extending this seamless, customer-centric approach to how it offers customers credit. Forever 21 is partnering with marketing and loyalty solutions provider Alliance Data Systems Corp. to provide private label and co-branded credit card services that are integrated with its loyalty program.