Loyalty Marketing

E-commerce has redefined the retail shopping experience and shaped the fate of retailers in many sectors. Grocers have been the exception thus far, but that is about to change in a major way.

We have reached the time of year when everyone wonders whether they made the “naughty” or “nice” list. Here are a few suggestions for omni-channel retailers who want to ensure Santa (and your customers) place you firmly on the nice list.

Recognize Channel Differences and Limitations

Travel company Thomson’s has debuted its next-generation travel-store concept, at Bluewater shopping center in Kent. Designed by 20.20, the format integrates the latest technology combined with great service to enhance the experience of choosing and booking a vacation.

Holiday shoppers who order by 10 a.m. Christmas Eve can still receive same day delivery from online luxury goods retailer Net-A-Porter in the greater New York City area.

The retailer was offering customers shopping from, or sending gifts to New York City, and select areas of Bergen and Westchester counties on Tuesday, December 24th, the opportunity to receive merchandise the same day as long as orders were submitted by 10 a.m.

Richmond Hill, Ont. -- Interactive mobile advertising technology provider iSign Media Corp. has developed the Smart Player Kit. The solution is a form of advertising technology that combines digital signage with mobile messaging.

Through this technology, restaurants can now send real-time discounts and offers to customers’ mobile phones while they’re in close proximity or inside the restaurant ready to make a purchase.

Englewood, Colo. -- Shopkick has partnered with Sports Authority. All Shopkick users will earn "kicks" just for walking in, browsing special offers throughout the store, scanning products and making purchases at Sports Authority store locations.

“We are excited to partner with Shopkick nationwide,” said Mike E. Foss, CEO of Sports Authority. “Their innovative application engages our customers in a new and compelling way, offering added benefit to shop at Sports Authority.”

Sears Holdings has elected law firm executive Cesar Alvarez to its board of directors.

Alvarez is co-chairman of the international law firm Greenburg Traurig, which he joined in 1973. Before his appointment as chairman, he served as executive chairman for more than three years and as its CEO for 13 years, starting in 1997.

Camp Hill, Pa. – Rite Aid reported a solid 15.5% increase in net income during the third quarter of fiscal 2013, to $71.5 million from $61.9 million in the year ago period.  Lower interest expense and lease termination and impairment charges helped drive Rite Aid’s net income growth.

In addition, revenues grew about 2% to $6.4 billion from $6.2 billion, primarily due to a 3.5% increase in pharmacy same store sales. Same-store sales rose 2.3%.