Programs
AccorHotels to Launch New Loyalty Program
AccorHotels is launching a program intended to compete with services like AirBnB. It will be interesting to see the hotel industry’s various responses to disruption.
H&M’s New Program
The fashion retailer has launched a new, comprehensive loyalty program. Among other features, the program “works to reward repeat customers with personalized offers, opportunities to earn points, and access to members-only events and services. It also includes external partnerships with companies like Drybar, wherein members enrolled in the program get a 20 percent discount on Drybar’s hair services, including blowouts or dry styling.”
Introducing Kingsford Rewards
Kingsford Charcoal has launched a program that is simple, with a clear value proposition. “After registering online at Kingsford.com/Rewards, members can upload their receipts for any bag of Kingsford Charcoal priced above $5 to automatically begin receiving rewards. For every five bags purchased, members will receive a $5 coupon towards their next purchase.”
Customer Experience
Chinese Coffee Brand Luckin Goes All-App
Luckin uses a different business model than other cafés. “Customers who want to buy Luckin brew, or any other drinks, have to make the purchases through the app, which Schakel said is more efficient and requires less waste. That also allows the company to access customer data and analyze trends in order to drive retention rates.”
Partnerships
Amazon Teams Up with Smaller Brands
Amazon has launched a new service called Counter in the United Kingdom and Italy, which will see it collaborating with smaller brands. “The tech giant is teaming up with Next, a large British fashion chain, to offer a so-called click-and-collect option: Shoppers can now order items on Amazon’s site and pick up their parcel at one of Next’s 500 UK stores. Italian bookseller Giunti is also on board. This kind of third-party pickup facility isn’t yet available in the US.”