Calgary Co-op refreshes loyalty app

One of the largest retail co-operatives in North America is expanding its mobile loyalty program and membership tracking features.

Calgary Co-op, which operates retail locations in five categories including: groceries, fuel, pharmacy, liquor, home health care and cannabis across the Canadian province of Alberta, initially revamped its mobile customer loyalty program in September 2023.

[Read more: Grocery, fuel among top retail loyalty categories]

Working with loyalty and promotions solutions provider Lobyco, Calgary Co-op began offering loyalty members personalized offers based on purchase history via a mobile app. In addition, loyalty members have the option to play mobile games via the app to earn free or deeply discounted items. 

And while in-store, customers can use the app to earn Calgary Co-op Bonus Cash on select items, review their digital shopping lists, complete payment, and view their receipts.

Since launching the loyalty app, Calgary Co-op has seen more than 100,000 members download and use it regularly, as well as significant growth in new member acquisition. This has led Calgary Co-op to now expand its program with Lobyco to include co-op membership management.

Customers become Calgary Co-op members by buying a membership for $1. Through Calgary Co-op’s patronage program, each year customers receive a share of the retailer’s profits in cash and shares, proportional to what they have spent across the various retail lines of business. 

Co-op members can now monitor their estimated profit-sharing progress throughout the year via the mobile app and receive the previous year’s patronage in the app at the beginning of each year.

"The Lobyco team was hands-on from the beginning through development, to launch, as well as during the addition of new enhancements to the app," said Ken Keelor, CEO at Calgary Co-op. "They understood our unique needs as a member-owned co-operative, as well as the incredible opportunity we had to refresh our membership program and launch an app that revolutionizes the way we pay patronage and enhances our members’ shopping experiences. Our journey is just beginning, and we value their partnership."

"We couldn’t be more delighted about Calgary Co-op’s success," said Anders Mittag, chief commercial officer at Lobyco. "Since the outset of our relationship, we’ve known there was significant potential for a comprehensive loyalty program that would delight customers through digital engagement and gamification. We’re thrilled to be working with a North American business and are excited for what’s to come."