Loyalty Marketing

By Giles Sutton, J.D., LL.M, [email protected]

Gift-card sales have surged in recent years. With electronic or virtual gift cards and mobile applications that allow consumers to purchase and redeem gift cards from their mobile/smartphones, sales only continue to grow. While consumers flock to them for their flexibility, businesses have embraced them as a means to increase sales. Not only are buyers spurred into making new purchases, but they often spend more than the gift-card amount.

By Jon Weber, [email protected]

As a consumer, you’re aware that basic demographic information doesn’t reflect your personality or pinpoint why you make your purchasing decisions. Retailers that probe beneath the surface of shallow customer profiles can gain the true market intelligence required to uncover new opportunities and focus on areas with the highest growth potential.

NEW YORK — A report released by payment system provider ACI Worldwide found that many retail loyalty programs leave consumers feeling underappreciated and many consumers are enrolled in a program they don’t completely understand.

PITTSBURGH -- National Runner's Month is back this May at Dick's Sporting Goods. As part of its celebration of runners, the company announced that it will be a major sponsor at ten premiere running events in metro cities across the country. In addition, the month-long running celebration will be surrounded by a comprehensive marketing program that includes the announcement of three widely respected running ambassadors, a major charity initiative, social and digital media elements along with running specials and promotions throughout May.

New York City -- A report released Tuesday by payment system provider ACI Worldwide found that many retail loyalty programs leave consumers feeling underappreciated and many consumers are enrolled in a program they don’t completely understand.

BENTONVILLE, Ark.  -- Through March 13, Sam's Club is offering an eValues trial to its advantage and business members. According to the company, the eValues program is an exclusive program that delivers tailored offers to consumers based on unique shopping patterns. The trial program will enable all Sam's Club members to receive a benefit usually afforded only to members with Sam's Club Plus.

TORONTO -- Best Buy is partnering with Points International, which operates loyalty reward program management platform, www.points.com, to enable Reward Zone members the ability to exchange points between their Best Buy Reward Zone and their other participating loyalty program accounts as well as trade with other users via the Points.com loyalty marketplace.