For many brands, figuring out how to improve loyalty outcomes in 2026 can feel a bit like searching for the meaning of life: Complex, constantly evolving, and deeply personal. What drives loyalty today isn’t one universal formula, but a shifting mix of data intelligence, emotional relevance, and contextual value that looks different for every customer. 

Sean Claessen, EVP of Innovation and Chief Strategy Officer at Bond Brand Loyalty, believes the industry might have reached an important inflection point. As he put it, “we may have hit peak loyalty in 2025.” Participation levels across many industries are already high, meaning future success will depend less on enrollment growth and more on intelligence, differentiation, and emotional relevance. 

What if hotel loyalty wasn’t built just for road warriors, but for the way the average person actually travels? That’s the question driving the evolution of Choice Privileges. As travel behaviors shift and consumers demand more flexibility and recognition, Choice Hotels International is reshaping its loyalty strategy to deliver rewards that feel achievable, relevant, and worth coming back for. 

For more than 85 years, Choice Hotels has shaped how travelers experience hospitality. With more than 7,500 properties across 50 countries and 22 brands, it’s a company with significant influence.  

In this edition of Leaders in Customer Loyalty: Brand Stories, Loyalty360 spoke with Nandika Suri, Vice President of Loyalty at Choice Hotels, about how the Choice Privileges program is evolving to balance aspiration with accessibility, simplify engagement, and strengthen loyalty in an increasingly dynamic travel landscape. 

Nearly two decades after first firing up the grill, Hot Head Burritos, with its fiery mascot Leroy leading the charge, has grown from a Dayton favorite into a fast-casual brand with serious regional momentum. Known for bold flavors and an increasingly sophisticated digital loyalty strategy, the chain now spans 86 locations across nine states and continues finding new ways to connect with guests, from the counter to the app and everywhere in between. 

Peter Wiley has had a front-row seat to that evolution. Now serving as Vice President of Marketing and IT, he’s been involved since day one. “My brother called me and said, ‘Hey, I’m starting a brand. Can you work on a website and a logo and some graphics?’” he said.  

Over time, that creative support expanded into leadership over marketing, loyalty, and IT, roles that increasingly intersect as the brand grows. 

As loyalty programs move into 2026, brands are confronting a fundamental shift: loyalty is no longer sustained by accumulation alone. Points, miles, and introductory bonuses still matter, but they no longer guarantee relevance or emotional attachment. Instead, transparency, experiential value, and ongoing engagement are becoming the defining forces shaping how loyalty programs earn and maintain consumer trust. 

We recently spoke with Eileen Peacock, Senior Vice President, General Manager, at Valuedynamx U.S., who shared how shifting consumer expectations, subscription-influenced behavior, and a growing desire for real-world experiences are reshaping loyalty strategy across industries. 

Few restaurant brands carry the emotional weight of Friendly’s. Founded in 1935 during the Great Depression, the brand was built on a simple but enduring belief: even in hard times, people deserve comfort, joy, and togetherness. Nearly 90 years later, that purpose still anchors Friendly’s strategy.  

But executing Friendly’s brand strategy is rapidly evolving.  

Under the leadership of Erik Jensen, Vice President of Marketing, Friendly’s is in the midst of a renovation-led revival that touches everything from restaurant design and franchising to customer loyalty. At the center of that work is a renewed focus on listening, particularly when customers signal that something isn’t working. 

In the latest edition of Leaders in Customer Loyalty: Brand Stories, Loyalty360 spoke with Rachel Masocol, Director of Digital Marketing and Ecommerce for Jollibee Group, North America, about how the company’s rapid growth and loyalty program redesign are driven by increasing digital engagement. 

Jollibee has always been about more than just chicken—despite being voted America’s number one fast-food fried chicken two years in a row by USA Today. What began as a small ice cream parlor in the Philippines, founded by Tony Tan Caktiong, has grown into one of the fastest-growing quick-service restaurant brands in the world. 

As loyalty programs look toward 2026, few categories are under more pressure to evolve than travel. Shifting consumer expectations, accelerating AI adoption, and rising demands for immediacy are forcing brands to rethink how loyalty shows up, not just at booking, but throughout the entire journey. 

In this Supplier Voices conversation, Nowell Outlaw, Chief Executive Officer of Switchfly, shares how AI-driven planning, real-time relevance, and emotional engagement are reshaping what effective travel loyalty looks like, and where many programs still struggle to keep pace. 

Customer loyalty has become a cornerstone of modern brand strategy, but for shopping center owners, it has never been a simple equation. Without control of the point of sale and with thousands of independent retailers operating under one roof, building a cohesive loyalty program  presents challenges most consumer brands never face. 

That tension is what ultimately shaped Simon+™: a loyalty program built to reflect how people shop today, across stores, channels, and experiences. In a recent conversation, Enna Allen, Senior Vice President of Marketing at Simon shared how Simon is re-thinking loyalty for a nontraditional category and why flexibility, collaboration, and value are essential to making the program work. 

For more than a century, Hilton has been shaping how people experience hospitality. Today, the company spans 26 brands, 9,000 properties, and 141 countries and territories, yet its loyalty strategy remains grounded in a simple idea: make travelers feel seen, valued, and supported at every stage of their journey. 

In this edition of Leaders in Customer Loyalty: Brand Stories, Loyalty360 spoke with Brad Anderson, Vice President of the Hilton Honors program, about how the brand continues to evolve loyalty in an increasingly complex and expectation-driven travel landscape. 

As loyalty leaders look toward 2026, the conversation is shifting away from feature sets and toward fundamentals: trust, relevance, and human connection. While artificial intelligence is accelerating what brands can do with data and personalization, it is also forcing a reassessment of what customers actually value in their relationships with brands. 

In a recent conversation with Denise Holt, Senior Vice President and Head of Strategy, Experience, Research, and Insights at Phaedon, and Emily Merkle, Senior Vice President of Analytics and Data Science, they shared their thoughts about how brands are recalibrating loyalty strategies after a year of rapid experimentation, and what that means for the future of customer engagement. 

Rather than viewing loyalty as a standalone program, both leaders argue the next phase of loyalty will be defined by systems that adapt to individual preferences, empower human interaction, and deliver value quickly and transparently. 

Papa Murphy’s has sliced out a unique position in the crowded pizza category with a simple yet transformative idea: pizzas made fresh in-store, taken home, and baked by the customer. With more than 1,000 locations across the U.S., including franchise-owned stores, the brand continues to differentiate through both product and experience. 

Loyalty360 recently spoke with Jason Focht, Vice President of Digital Marketing, about the uniqueness of the take-and-bake model and the launch of the redesigned MySlice Rewards loyalty program. Both lend themselves well to motivating customer engagement and creating loyalty.

Loyalty programs aren’t failing because they lack features: they’re failing because customers don’t feel value fast enough. As consumer budgets tighten and expectations accelerate, patience has become one of the scarcest resources brands contend with. Loyalty is no longer judged by what it promises over time, but by how quickly it proves its worth. 

We spoke with Don Smith, Global Chief Consulting Officer at Capillary, about what that shift means for loyalty strategy in 2026, and why speed, relevance, and emotional connection are now deeply intertwined. 

As one of the fastest-growing fast-casual brands, Mediterranean eatery, CAVA, was founded in 2010 as a full-service restaurant. The company’s goal is to make delicious food that customers feel good about buying and eating. Today, the company has grown substantially, with more than 400 restaurants in 28 states across the country. 

In this edition of Leaders in Customer Loyalty: Brand Stories, Loyalty360 spoke with Andy Rebhun, Chief Experience Officer for CAVA, about the secret to this brand’s dramatic growth strategy.  

As brands enter 2026, loyalty strategies are being reshaped by economic pressure, rapidly shifting consumer expectations, and the accelerating role of technology. Rising costs, tighter margins, and changing audience behaviors have forced organizations to rethink how they create value that’s not just through rewards, but through relevance, ease, and emotional connection. 

We recently spoke with Ellen Green, Vice President of Loyalty Strategy at Bounteous, about the forces that most influenced loyalty strategy in 2025 and how those lessons are shaping what comes next. From time-to-value and personalization to AI readiness and organizational alignment, Green outlined why loyalty is no longer a standalone program, but a relationship-driven capability embedded across the enterprise. 

White Castle’s loyal fan base has kept America’s “first fast-food hamburger chain” in business for nearly 105 years. What makes this brand still appeal to consumers and continue to expand, especially when other chains struggle to keep the doors open?  

 Loyalty 360 spoke with Jamie Richardson, Vice President of Marketing and Public Relations at White Castle, on the brand’s longevity and its loyalty program, known as Craver Nation Rewards. 

As brands look ahead to 2026, loyalty programs are evolving beyond transactions toward deeper emotional connection, relevance, and trust. Shifting consumer expectations and broader uncertainty are accelerating this change. 

We recently spoke with Hayley Hanel, Senior Manager of Strategic Consulting at Kobie, who shared how growing unease around social, political, and economic change is reshaping loyalty strategies and elevating the role of community and belonging.

Known for its irreverent attitude, unstoppable energy, and Seattle-style teriyaki bowls, Teriyaki Madness has always taken its food, but never itself, seriously. Founded in 2003 by friends who wanted to bring Seattle’s teriyaki culture to Las Vegas, Teriyaki Madness was purchased by its current CEO, Michael Haith, in 2016. 

Now headquartered in Denver, Colorado, the self-proclaimed “scrappy brand,” uses digital innovation to transform a fast casual dining concept from 30 shops, into a national brand of nearly 200 locations. 

Mark Johnson, CEO of Loyalty360, spoke to Jodi Boyce, Chief Marketing Officer of Teriyaki Madness, about the innovative steps the company used to build the brand and a loyalty program of nearly one million members. 

Blings, a global company headquartered in New York, New York, is using patented AI-powered MP5 technology to help companies create personalized, interactive videos that connect with customers in real-time. The platform pulls in live data to create each video and customize loyalty offers and gamified experiences, engaging customers and boosting conversion for clients. 

Loyalty 360 spoke with Yonatan Schreiber, CEO and co-founder of Blings, about how this AI-powered personalized video is reshaping loyalty programs and customer experience. 

For more than 30 years, Toppers Pizza has gone beyond crafting inventive, high-quality pizzas to delivering an experience that keeps guests coming back time and time again. With 60 stores across 14 states, the Wisconsin-based chain has built a loyal following thanks to its fun, late-night-friendly menu, fresh ingredients, and a focus on community connection. The brand has become a fan favorite among college students, young professionals, and anyone looking for a unique pizza experience.  

In this edition of Leaders in Customer Loyalty: Brand Stories, Loyalty360 spoke with Mac Malchow, Vice President of Marketing and Development at Toppers Pizza, about how the brand builds loyalty by rewarding customers, delivering standout experiences, and staying deeply connected to the communities it serves. 

Collinson International, a privately-owned provider of global travel and customer loyalty programs, doesn’t offer your run-of-the-mill airport experience. Instead of being squeezed in plastic seating, knee to knee with fellow travelers in the main concourse, the company provides a premium airport lounge experience with a range of amenities.  

Loyalty360 spoke with Jeremy Dalkoff VP of Partnerships and Travel Experiences at Collinson International, the operator of the popular Priority Pass, on how the company delivers a high-end, seamless, stress-free experience for travelers at more than 1,800 airport lounges worldwide. 

Families searching for a relaxed, local restaurant to enjoy good food at a reasonable price, and avid sports fans looking for a place to munch on chicken wings while catching the latest game might find Wings and Rings perfectly meets their needs. Established in 1984 in Cincinnati, Ohio, the 41-year-old sports franchisee concept now has 85 locations, 60 within the U.S. and 25 internationally. Known originally as Buffalo Wings and Rings, the company has updated its look, its name, and its menu, but its dedication and commitment to the local communities it services remains strong. 

In this edition of Leaders in Customer Loyalty: Brand Stories, Loyalty360 spoke with Dan Sweatt, Senior Marketing Manager for Wings and Rings, about how the company’s franchisees are growing their loyalty business by connecting with their customers and community.  

Loyalty360 spoke with Mike Donini, Senior Buyer at Maritz, one of the largest full-service incentive and loyalty partners in North America. 

Maritz began in 1894 as a family-run wholesaler and manufacturer of fine jewelry and watches. During the Great Depression, Maritz pivoted its business to generate income, selling its merchandise to businesses as sales and service awards. The new direction kept it afloat and launched the beginning of what we know today as the incentive industry.  

Today, Maritz designs and delivers large-scale solutions in the areas of channel engagement, consumer loyalty and employee rewards, as well as meetings and events, and automotive solutions. Maritz works with Fortune 500 organizations in industries including finance, shipping and delivery, hospitality, and airlines to design and fulfill loyalty and incentive programs, from program design and operations to purchasing and fulfillment. 

Long after most bakeries close, Insomnia Cookies comes to life, satisfying the late-night cravings of students and sweet-tooth fans alike. Founded in 2003 in a University of Pennsylvania dorm room, the brand has transformed a simple idea into a full-fledged movement, growing to more than 350 locations globally and earning millions of devoted fans worldwide. 

In a recent conversation, Loyalty360 CEO Mark Johnson spoke with David Salama, Chief Digital Officer at Insomnia Cookies, about how the brand is using digital innovation and a redesigned loyalty program to turn transactions into touchpoints, and fans—which the brand calls its ‘Insomniacs’— into a thriving community. By blending technology and creativity, Insomnia Cookies continues to prove that emotional loyalty can be just as powerful (and satisfying) as the perfect chocolate chip cookie. 

How do your customers honestly feel about your brand? Are they just interested in discounts, or do they really believe your brand cares about what they think, buy, and experience when they shop with you? Are there strategic moves your company can make to create a stronger, more lasting relationship with both customer loyalty program members and non-members alike? 

Mark Johnson, CEO of Loyalty360, spoke with Denise Holt, SVP and Head of Strategy, Experience & Research at Phaedon on ways to cultivate an emotional brand connection with today’s value-conscious consumers.  

As customer expectations shift and loyalty programs across industries evolve, Carnival Cruise Line is setting a new course for what engagement can look like at sea. Building on over 50 years of guest passion and brand recognition, the company is introducing an entirely new loyalty framework that mirrors the sophistication of leading airline and hotel programs, while keeping the fun, inclusive spirit that defines the Carnival experience. 

At the helm of this transformation is Sidharth Krishna, Vice President of Loyalty, who brings deep expertise from the airline industry and a clear vision for the future of cruising: one where guests can earn, engage, and celebrate loyalty in more ways than ever before. 

In this episode of Leaders in Customer Loyalty: Industry Voices, Loyalty360’s Ethan Perry sat down with Chris Jones, Senior Vice President of Engagement Solutions at ITA Group, to explore how brands are translating emotional loyalty from an abstract concept into a measurable driver of business growth. 

As a returning guest, Jones expanded on themes from his previous conversation, sharing findings from ITA Group’s latest research on emotional connection and how it amplifies the impact of value and ease within loyalty programs. 

When you walk into a Newk’s Eatery, you’re greeted by the warmth of an open kitchen, the sound of sizzling steak and shrimp on the grill, and the fresh aroma of house-made salad dressings crafted from scratch. Founded in 2004, Newk’s has carved out its place in the fast casual dining space by staying true to two core principles: hospitality and freshness. Every detail, from the open kitchen to the made-from-scratch recipes, is designed to make guests feel welcome and cared for. 

In this edition of Leaders in Customer Loyalty: Brand Stories, we sat down with Chris Cheek, Chief Development Officer at Newk’s Eatery,to talk about how the brand blends heartfelt hospitality with innovative technology to build customer loyalty. From its scratch kitchen to its evolving digital tools and franchise strategy, Newk’s is proving that genuine connection, not just convenience, is the secret ingredient to long-term loyalty. 

Every traveler knows the paradox of modern flight: one moment you’re gliding through security and boarding early; the next, you’re navigating delays, lost bags, or crowded lounges. The difference between frustration and delight often comes down to how a brand manages those moments. In an era where expectations evolve faster than itineraries, emotional loyalty is forged not by luxury, but by reliability and relevance. 

In this episode of Leaders in Customer Loyalty: Industry Voices, CEO Mark Johnson sat down with Andrew Harrison-Chinn, Chief Marketing Officer at DragonPass, to discuss how the company is reshaping the airport experience and leaning in to what emotional loyalty means for travelers in a post-pandemic, high-expectation era. 

In the latest edition of Loyalty360’s Leaders in Customer Loyalty: Brand Stories series, Tara Roth-Sterger, Senior Loyalty Program Manager at MANSCAPED, shared insights into the brand’s journey and its customer-first approach. Founded in 2016 by Paul Tran, MANSCAPED has grown from a men’s below-the-waist grooming company into a global leader in men’s personal care, expanding into beard, skincare, and grooming products. Tara discussed the launch of the brand’s new Members Only Rewards program, which integrates seamlessly with its strong subscription model to deliver simplicity, recognition, and exclusive perks. She emphasized MANSCAPED’s focus on building trust, community, and advocacy, highlighting partnerships like the one with the Testicular Cancer Society, while also underscoring how emotional loyalty and personalization are driving the brand’s next phase of customer engagement. 

Step into Moe’s Southwest Grill and the first thing you’ll hear is the signature shout: “Welcome to Moe’s!” As part of the GoTo Foods platform company, Moe’s taps into enterprise resources in technology, culinary innovation and guest insights that help the brand translate flavorful energy into long-term loyalty. But what really keeps guests coming back isn’t just the burritos, bowls and queso, it’s the energy, the personality and the way the brand makes loyalty feel fresh and fun. 

In this edition of Leaders in Customer Loyalty: Brand Stories, we sat down with Mike Smith, Chief Brand Officer at Moe’s Southwest Grill, to talk about how the brand is blending bold flavors with bold ideas. With more than 7 million members in Moe’s Rewards, Smith shares how the team is reimagining loyalty with flexibility, personalization, and plenty of brand personality. 

For more than a century, Hasbro has been a household name in toys and games, with a portfolio spanning over 1,500 intellectual properties, from childhood classics like Candy Land to iconic titles like Monopoly and Clue. But in today’s entertainment landscape, nostalgia alone isn’t enough. To thrive, the brand has leaned into partnerships, fandom, and digital innovation that bring their intellectual properties to life in new and engaging ways. 

Lindsey Camell, Head of Partnerships and Location-Based Experiences for North America, is at the center of that effort. Her team oversees partnerships that bring Hasbro’s IP to unexpected places, from McDonald’s Happy Meals to cereal boxes to even family entertainment centers and resorts. With loyalty woven into its DNA through decades-long activations like McDonald’s Monopoly, Hasbro is exploring how gamification, personalization, and cultural relevance can keep its brands connected to consumers for life. 

In this Executive Spotlight, Loyalty360 CEO Mark Johnson speaks with Amanda Mitchell, Head of Loyalty at Petro-Canada, proudly owned by Suncor, Canada’s leading integrated energy company. With nearly 20 years of experience, Mitchell brings a seasoned perspective on how loyalty can transform a commodity-driven industry.  

Overseeing Petro-Points, a program with more than 4 million active members across 1,600 retail fuel locations, she shares insights on the unique dynamics of the Canadian loyalty market. Those include the role of digital innovation in creating seamless experiences, and why value and memorability are central to building stronger customer connections.  

For decades, car rental has been viewed as a transactional necessity. Simply a checkpoint on the travel journey rather than a meaningful part of it. Beth Gibson, Vice President, Avis First, sees that as a missed opportunity. With the recent launch of Avis First, she’s leading a bold initiative to shift perceptions and elevate expectations, introducing a first-of-its-kind rental experience built around convenience, care, and concierge-level service.  Available to all travelers through the Avis app, the program also provides added advantages for loyalty members, including faster booking and recognition through the existing Avis Preferred program. This isn’t about perks. It’s about purpose and a relentless focus on what travelers actually value. 

It isn’t just a new tier; it’s a fundamental shift in the company’s approach to customer engagement. With nearly 18 years at Avis Budget Group, Gibson’s deep operational knowledge, frontline empathy, and relentless commitment to the customer have uniquely positioned her to lead this transformation. 

In a time when restaurant brands are redefining what value and connection mean to their guests, McAlister’s Deli is standing out by blending purpose-driven hospitality with operational precision and digital intelligence. 

In this edition of Leaders in Customer Loyalty: Brand Stories, we sat down with Danielle Porto Parra, Chief Brand Officer at McAlister’s Deli, to explore how the brand is weaving emotional branding, personalized loyalty, and a culture of hospitality into every guest experience. From their famed sweet tea to an enterprise-backed tech stack powering personalized offers, McAlister’s Deli is on a mission to nourish connections in every sense of the phrase.  

Travel can be magical, or it can be chaotic. As Mark Johnson, CEO of Loyalty360, noted at the start of this episode of Industry Voices, “The higher your expectations, the more likely something is to go sideways. And when it does, everyone from the airlines to the Online Travel Agencies (OTAs) finds themselves in the hot seat.”  

To explore how brands can turn that chaos into opportunity, Mark sat down with Jamie Perry, President of Paisly, the newly rebranded travel subsidiary formerly known as JetBlue Travel Products. Perry shared insights on the company’s evolution, its partnership with United, and how Paisly is leveraging technology and loyalty data to deliver meaningful, personalized experiences.  

In a rapidly evolving telecommunications landscape, where customer choice and switching costs continue to shift, TELUS is rising above the noise. As Canada’s fastest-growing national telco, TELUS is redefining what it means to maintain loyalty—not just through connectivity, but by embedding value into every facet of the customer experience.  

In this edition of Leaders in Customer Loyalty: Brand Stories, Loyalty360 spoke with Jacob Pullia, who leads the national TELUS Rewards program. Pullia discusses the launch of the unified national program, the strategic partnerships driving deeper engagement, and how TELUS is adapting loyalty to match the needs of a price-sensitive, digitally enabled consumer base.  

Sephora has long been recognized as a leader in prestige beauty retail. Founded in France in the late 1960s, the brand introduced its now-famous open-selling concept that allowed shoppers to browse freely and test products across brands. Something unheard of in department store beauty counters of the time. When Sephora opened its first U.S. store in New York’s Soho district in 1998, the concept was still relatively unknown. “Back then, few people knew who we were, and many brands didn't want to work with us as a newcomer,” recalls Emmy Brown Berlind, Senior Vice President, General Manager of Loyalty at Sephora. “So, we really built our business on creativity, differentiation, and the belief that beauty should be fun and inclusive, and that commitment continues to shape how Sephora connects with its clients.” 

That philosophy of inclusivity and discovery has powered Sephora’s rise into the leading prestige beauty retailer in North America, with more than 700 stores and a vibrant digital ecosystem. A critical part of that growth has been the Beauty Insider loyalty program, launched in 2007. “The launch of our Beauty Insider program was part of a key differentiation that we were able to introduce to the market which led to a lot of loyalty with our clients and continues to support the growth of the business,” Berlind explains. 

For over 120 years, ExxonMobil has been a trusted name in Egypt, offering high-quality lubricants and fuels through a vast network of more than 400 service stations and 250 Mobile One Centers. But as customer expectations evolve and convenience becomes king, ExxonMobil Egypt is leaning into customer loyalty as a competitive differentiator—transforming service stations from utilitarian fueling points into lifestyle destinations. 

In this edition of Loyalty360’s Leaders in Customer Loyalty: Brand Stories, we speak with Karim Nour, Egypt Loyalty Head at ExxonMobil. Karim takes us inside the strategy behind Exxon Mobil Rewards+ program, shares insights on reaching digitally underserved segments, and explains why trust—not transactions—is the foundation of long-term loyalty in the Egyptian market. 

In this episode of The CEO’s Desk, Loyalty360 CEO Mark Johnson shares insights on the evolving role of brand partnerships in customer loyalty. From high-profile collaborations like Ulta & Target to innovative programs from MGM, JetBlue, and Walmart, Mark unpacks what’s working, what’s not, and how brands can evaluate partnerships for true mutual value. Discover the biggest challenges—technology integration, co-marketing, ROI alignment—and hear predictions for how partnerships will shape loyalty strategies in 2025 and beyond.

In an era where personalized experiences are rapidly becoming the cornerstone of customer loyalty, Steven Galanis and the team at Cameo are creating new opportunities for fans to engage with their favorite talent. As CEO and co-founder, Galanis has spearheaded a unique business that blends entertainment, technology, and loyalty innovation. 

"Cameo is a marketplace where you can book personalized video messages from tens of thousands of the most interesting people in pop culture," Galanis explains. "We started the business in 2017 with the idea that the selfie was the new autograph." 

From that simple premise, Cameo has grown into a platform with a 4.9-star rating in the App Store, millions of videos sold, and a dedicated base of super fans. Yet, Galanis admits the opportunity is still much larger than the current footprint. "People ask, 'Did you ever think Cameo would be this big?' And the truth is, I look at it every day, and I can't believe we're this small," he says. "We believe there's about 50 million people in the world that could be professional creators on Cameo. Today, we have 60,000." 

When Jay Jhun joined Church’s Texas Chicken® three years ago, he stepped into a 73-year old legacy brand with a fiercely loyal guest base—but without a formal loyalty program in place. What followed was a fast-paced, ground-up effort to create a digital and loyalty ecosystem that could serve both the brand’s long-standing values and its evolving customer expectations. Today, Jhun leads loyalty and digital strategy for the brand as Senior Director, and in less than a year since launching the brand’s "Real Rewards" loyalty program, Church’s has already seen measurable success in both digital engagement and emotional guest connection. 

In this edition of Leaders in Customer Loyalty: Industry Voices, Loyalty360’s Ethan Perry spoke with Jim Sturm, President of North America at Capillary Technologies, about the company’s aggressive growth strategy, its differentiators in the crowded loyalty technology marketplace, and how artificial intelligence is reshaping loyalty programs for 2025 and beyond.

For nearly 70 years, Blain’s Farm & Fleet has stood as a trusted destination for rural and suburban consumers across the Midwest—earning its reputation as the “modern general store” through a steadfast commitment to community, convenience, and customer loyalty. 

In this edition of Leaders in Customer Loyalty: Brand Stories, we sat down with Aly Blawat, who leads Customer Research, Insights, Personalization Strategy, and Loyalty at Blain’s Farm & Fleet, to learn more about how the brand continues to evolve its value proposition, listen deeply to its customers, and execute a loyalty strategy that’s both personal and purpose-driven. 

Loyalty360 sat down with David Andreadakis, Chief Commercial Officer at Loyalty Juggernaut, for a wide-ranging discussion on the evolution of customer loyalty, the shifting role of providers, and why actionable data — not just data collection — will separate tomorrow’s leaders from the rest.

Andreadakis, who joined Loyalty Juggernaut five months ago, brings a deep appreciation for the intersection of creativity, data, and customer experience. With a personal passion for music and storytelling, he approaches loyalty as both a science and an art — one that requires brands and providers to continually innovate and adapt.

In this edition of Loyalty360’s Executive Spotlight, we speak with Erik Kapila, Director of Loyalty at Marcus Theatres. With over 25 years of experience spanning CPG, retail, and entertainment, Erik brings a wealth of knowledge in loyalty program strategy, analytics, and customer experience. 

During this conversation with Mark Johnson, Loyalty360’s CEO, Erik shares his journey from Procter & Gamble and Kimberly Clark to launching loyalty programs at Fleet Farm and Marcus Theatres. He discusses the unique challenges and opportunities in entertainment loyalty, the importance of personalization and member value, and the insights that drive meaningful engagement. Erik also offers thoughtful advice for early-career professionals, emphasizing the importance of deeply understanding your customers and solving real business problems. 

In the world of hospitality and entertainment, where luxury experiences and personalized services are paramount, MGM Resorts International stands out for its ability to blend world-class gaming with immersive experiences. With a portfolio that spans across the globe—from Las Vegas to international markets like China, the United Arab Emirates, and Japan—MGM Resorts has mastered the art of customer loyalty through its innovative MGM Rewards program. At the forefront of this transformation is Anil Mansukhani, Vice President of Loyalty Marketing, who has led the charge in shaping the program to meet the evolving needs of MGM’s guests.

With a legacy that spans nearly a century, Tractor Supply Company (TSC) has grown from a humble mail-order catalog to the largest rural lifestyle retailer in North America. With over 2,500 stores across the U.S., including the Tractor Supply brand and pet-specialty retailer Petsense by Tractor Supply, the company continues to evolve—not just in size, but in how it builds meaningful, lasting relationships with its customers. 

Driving customer loyalty for the brand is Joe Leone, Vice President of Marketing, who now leads Tractor Supply’s LEAP team, an integrated unit that oversees Loyalty, Engagement, Analytics, and Personalization. Leone and his team are reshaping the company’s customer experience through data, strategic listening, and a deep commitment to mission-driven loyalty. 

From late-night honey butter chicken biscuits to meme-worthy social engagement, Whataburger has cemented itself as a beloved brand with a fiercely loyal fan base. Founded in 1950 by Harmon Dobson in Corpus Christi, Texas, the company was built on a straightforward promise: to serve a burger so big it takes two hands to hold and so good that customers exclaim, "What a burger!" 

Today, Whataburger is in the midst of a multi-state expansion, combining its storied heritage with innovative technology and personalized digital experiences. At the center of this transformation is Keith McLellan, Group Director of Digital Customer Experience. 

"As the digital customer experience lead, I'm really focused on leaning into that convenience culture and helping our brand understand the future state of our consumers," McLellan explains. "We're trying to drive the outcome of loyalty through just great food and great service." 

In the current world of customer loyalty, payments and incentives are no longer just transactional, they are foundational elements that shape how customers feel about a brand. For Vince Chiofolo, Senior Vice President of Revenue Strategy at Dash Solutions, the future of loyalty lies in marrying seamless payments with meaningful engagement. 

“You can have the best product, service, and price,” Chiofolo explains, “but the payment experience should also be best-in-class.”  

Dash Solutions, a fintech pioneer with nearly 30 years of experience, is reshaping how brands deliver rewards and payments. By replacing slow, outdated processes like mailing paper checks with digital, real-time payment options, Dash Solutions makes it easier and faster for businesses to pay customers and employees, while boosting engagement. 

“At Dash, our rally cry is ‘make payments mean more,’” Chiofolo says. “We don’t just process payments; we create experiences that motivate behavior and foster loyalty.” 

Mitch Walden, Senior Director of Digital and Loyalty at Scooter's Coffee, isn’t just overseeing a rewards program—he’s steering a loyalty transformation rooted in long-term growth, customer-centric innovation, and operational alignment. With nearly three decades of experience spanning e-commerce, CRM, and digital strategy, Walden brings a cross-disciplinary lens to an industry that is evolving as rapidly as consumer preferences.

Founded in Bellevue, Nebraska, in 1998, Scooter’s Coffee has grown from a Midwest favorite into a rapidly expanding drive-thru specialty beverage chain. With a footprint built on convenience and friendly service, Scooter’s aims to deliver "amazing people, amazing drinks, amazingly fast" through 650-square-foot kiosks across the country. The company's culture of hospitality underpins its approach to loyalty—one that Walden has helped evolve to meet the expectations of modern consumers.

In an industry where innovation is often measured by specs and screen size, Echelon is taking a different approach—one rooted in accessibility, adaptability, and authentic member connection. As the fitness technology brand expands its AI capabilities and scales its omnichannel footprint, it remains firmly committed to one mission: supporting people on their fitness journey, whatever that may look like.

For John Santo, Co-Founder and Chief Product & Technology Officer, customer loyalty at Echelon isn’t a KPI—it’s a relationship. One that’s nurtured through thoughtful product design, personalized engagement, and an ecosystem that truly follows members wherever they go.

Inside the 2025 State of Customer Loyalty Report: Part 2 | CEO’s Desk with Mark Johnson

Welcome back to The CEO’s Desk with Loyalty360 CEO Mark Johnson! In Part 2 of our deep dive into the 2025 State of Customer Loyalty Report, we explore how brands are operationalizing loyalty, building internal alignment, and translating strategy into measurable business impact.

What’s behind the drop in personalization as a strategic priority—even as it's still the top area of program enhancement?

Why are more brands reporting enterprise-level insights and improved engagement metrics?

Is the growing confidence in loyalty programs justified, or is it the result of confirmation bias?

In this episode, we unpack:
🔹 Why brands are prioritizing fewer loyalty objectives and focusing on execution

🔹 The growing importance of tech stack optimization and data orchestration

🔹 How brands are using loyalty as a performance engine—not just a marketing tool

🔹 The increase in loyalty team sizes and internal Centers of Excellence

🔹 Predictions on where personalization, partnerships, and innovation are heading by 2026
As loyalty programs evolve from add-ons to strategic assets, tune in to hear how brands are setting new benchmarks for impact, insight, and integration.
📌 Missed Part 1? Watch it now to explore foundational trends and shifting executive mindsets

🔗 Download the full 2025 State of Customer Loyalty Report at Loyalty360.org

👉 Subscribe for expert takes and actionable strategies from today’s loyalty leaders

#CustomerLoyalty #LoyaltyPrograms #Loyalty360 #CustomerEngagement #CXStrategy #MarketingTrends #Personalization #DataStrategy #LoyaltyTech #CEOInsights

EG America is reshaping how convenience stores engage with their customers. As the fourth-largest chain in the U.S., with familiar brands like Cumberland Farms, Turkey Hill, and Fast Track, it’s leading the charge in integrating technology and personalization into its loyalty strategy. At the helm of this transformation is Whitney Johnson, Senior Vice President of Marketing, who is redefining the company’s approach to customer loyalty by blending AI-driven insights with hyper-local, tailored experiences that resonate with today’s on-the-go consumer.  

How Customer Loyalty Is Shifting in 2025 | CEO’s Desk with Mark Johnson

In this episode of The CEO’s Desk, Loyalty360 CEO Mark Johnson unpacks key insights from the 2025 State of Customer Loyalty Report, including year-over-year trends, strategic shifts, and executive sentiment around loyalty programs.

Why did the number of brands planning loyalty program overhauls drop from 79% in 2024 to 64% in 2025?
What’s driving a 10-point increase in executive support for loyalty?
What does “operationalizing loyalty” really mean—and how are brands doing it?

We explore the realignment of priorities among leading brands, including:

The decline in reward innovation and the rise of personalization

Growing executive buy-in and enterprise-wide support for customer loyalty programs

Challenges with brand partnerships, gamification, and integrating new technologies

The shift away from broad acquisition tactics toward deepening value for existing members

Whether you’re a loyalty marketer, brand strategist, or CX leader, this conversation offers tactical insights and strategic context to help you optimize loyalty performance in a changing landscape.

📝 Don’t miss next week’s episode, where we dive into team structures, loyalty KPIs, and how high-performing brands are measuring success.

👉 Subscribe to stay updated on loyalty trends and best practices
🔗 Learn more at Loyalty360.org

#CustomerLoyalty #LoyaltyPrograms #LoyaltyMarketing #CXStrategy #Loyalty360 #CustomerEngagement #Personalization #Gamification #BrandPartnerships #CEOInsights

For Merz Aesthetics, customer loyalty is more than a marketing initiative; it’s a guiding philosophy that influences every aspect of the brand’s identity and operations. As a global medical aesthetics company with a strong family-owned heritage, Merz Aesthetics places deep emphasis on building trust and delivering meaningful experiences that resonate with both healthcare providers and patients. In a category where confidence and care intersect, the company recognizes that loyalty must be rooted in both emotional connection and practical value. 

At the center of this strategy is Xperience+, Merz Aesthetics’ award-winning U.S. loyalty platform designed to be both impactful and effortless. While the program is celebrated for its simplicity, it’s underpinned by a thoughtful, evolving strategy that adapts to the needs of a diverse and dynamic audience. From streamlining the user journey to ensuring that rewards feel genuinely valuable, Merz Aesthetics is committed to making loyalty easy without sacrificing depth. 

The brand’s approach is led by Donnarie Hales, Director of Loyalty Strategy and Experience, who plays a key role in shaping how the brand balances innovation with simplicity. Hales emphasizes the importance of designing a platform that not only meets the practical needs of providers and patients but also reflects the emotional core of the aesthetics experience. With a focus on listening, evolving, and staying ahead of consumer expectations, Merz is working to create deeper connections with the next generation and building loyalty in an industry grounded in beauty, trust, and transformation. 

In this edition of Loyalty360's Leaders in Customer Loyalty: Industry Voices, we sat down with Dr. JR Slubowski, Vice President of Consulting and Research Center of Excellence Lead at Kobie, to discuss the state of customer loyalty, the evolution of loyalty strategies, and the frameworks shaping the industry today. With decades of experience and a front-row seat to cross-industry innovation, Dr. Slubowski shared insight into the emotional drivers of loyalty, Kobie’s unique approach to program design, and how brands can rethink the way they cultivate long-term customer relationships. 

California Pizza Kitchen (CPK) has been delighting diners for four decades, but as the brand celebrates its 40th anniversary, Chief Marketing Officer Dawn Keller, is focused not on nostalgia but on reinvention. At the helm of marketing, culinary, digital, and menu innovation, Keller is bringing a deeply personal connection to the brand—and a bold, modern vision for its future. 

As brands face mounting pressure to create deeper, more sustainable connections with their customers, the role of loyalty strategy has evolved from transactional tactics to enterprise-wide engagement. For Michelle Sequeira Yee, Vice President of Consulting at Bond, this evolution isn’t just necessary, it’s urgent. Drawing on her experience leading customer and digital strategy at large national Canadian retailers, and on the agency side at McCann and Havas, Sequeira Yee now helps brands reimagine loyalty as a driver of business growth, using data, technology, and emotional relevance to build meaningful relationships across the customer base. 

Welcome to Leaders in Customer Loyalty: The CEO’s Desk, a Loyalty360 original podcast series featuring exclusive executive insights from Loyalty360 CEO Mark Johnson.
 
In part 2 of this interview, Mark unpacks the Top 11 Trends in Customer Loyalty for 2025, straight from Loyalty360’s Advisory Board sessions at the 2025 Loyalty Expo.
 
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
• Why organizational alignment is mission-critical to program success How leading brands are substantiating and reinforcing loyalty program value
• The growing pressure to prove ROI to CFOs and align loyalty with business strategy Key strategies for simplifying loyalty program structures and overcoming tier fatigue
• The evolving role of AI, data, and personalization in loyalty program optimization
• How brands are adapting to economic uncertainty, supply chain disruption, and regulatory changes
• Real-world examples of loyalty innovation from brands like Wigels and others
 
Whether you’re a loyalty program manager, brand executive, or tech partner, this episode is packed with critical insights to help you evolve your loyalty strategy in a time of rapid change.
 
📌 Subscribe for more in-depth discussions on customer loyalty, emotional engagement, loyalty partnerships, and next-gen program design.

In the competitive world of convenience stores, where speed and service reign supreme, customer loyalty programs are becoming a pivotal factor in brand success. Weigel's, a family-owned convenience store chain based in East Tennessee, is setting a high standard with its innovative loyalty program, My Weigel's Rewards. With 85 locations and a commitment to quality products, exceptional service, and community engagement, Weigel's continues to expand, creating lasting connections with its customers. At the heart of this success is Jessica Starnes, the Director of Loyalty at Weigel's, who has been with the company for over 16 years, driving the evolution of its loyalty program.

2025 Customer Loyalty Trends Uncovered 

Welcome to Leaders in Customer Loyalty: The CEO’s Desk, a Loyalty360
original podcast series featuring exclusive executive insights from Loyalty360 CEO Mark Johnson. In this episode, Mark unpacks the Top 11 Trends in Customer Loyalty for 2025, straight from Loyalty360’s Advisory Board sessions at the 2025 Loyalty Expo.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• Why organizational alignment is mission-critical to program success
• How leading brands are substantiating and reinforcing loyalty program value
• The growing pressure to prove ROI to CFOs and align loyalty with business strategy
• Key strategies for simplifying loyalty program structures and overcoming tier fatigue
• The evolving role of AI, data, and personalization in loyalty program optimization
• How brands are adapting to economic uncertainty, supply chain disruption,
and regulatory changes
• Real-world examples of loyalty innovation from brands like Weigels and others

Whether you’re a loyalty program manager, brand executive, or tech partner,
this episode is packed with critical insights to help you evolve your loyalty
strategy in a time of rapid change.

In an increasingly dynamic marketplace, the role of customer loyalty has evolved far beyond transactional relationships. Today’s leading brands understand that loyalty must be earned through authentic engagement, reciprocal value and experiences that resonate on both functional and emotional levels. Lenovo, a global technology powerhouse, exemplifies this philosophy with its customer-centric initiatives, including the award-winning Evolve Small program and the My Lenovo Rewards platform. 

In a recent conversation with Loyalty360, Jamie Linville, Digital and Brand Senior Manager at Lenovo, shared insights into how the company approaches loyalty, the evolution of its programs and the balance between technology and humanity in customer engagement. 

For many fans, the first concert or professional sporting event they attend is more than just entertainment. It’s a core memory. It’s the roar of the crowd, the closeness of family, and the once-in-a-lifetime thrill of seeing a favorite artist or team live. Today’s consumers no longer settle for a faraway seat or generic experience; they want immersive, personalized moments that spark emotional resonance. At the forefront of this movement is VIP Nation, a leader in curated concert experiences and part of the Live Nation family. 

Evan Abrams, Senior Director at VIP Nation, has had a front-row seat in the evolution of fan engagement for more than a decade. “VIP Nation, we're a global leader in premium concert experiences. "We work directly with the artists, managers, and promoters to create elevated fan moments,” Abrams explains. These range from artist meet-and-greets and sound checks to photo ops on stage and exclusive merch bundles. “Our mission is to bring fans closer to the music they love in unforgettable ways.” 

Brands currently face a variety of challenges including rising customer expectations, generational differences, and increasing desire for seamless omnichannel experiences. CORA Loyalty is answering that call with a comprehensive portfolio that integrates next-gen tech, deep personalization, and strategic services. At the helm is Beth McCoy, President of CORA Loyalty, who joined Loyalty360's Industry Voices series to share her vision and strategies for evolving loyalty in 2025 and beyond.

"CORA Loyalty is a newly created portfolio made up of three separate companies or entities that some people may be familiar with from the loyalty marketplace," McCoy explains. These include RewardOps, an API-based rewards marketplace; Carlson Marketing Solutions, an enterprise-grade points bank and engagement platform; and Points at Work, a channel incentives tool tailored to employees and manufacturers.

Together, they form an end-to-end loyalty ecosystem, bolstered by a services layer offering data science, digital marketing, and curated marketplace solutions.

In the world of customer loyalty, few programs embody purpose as completely as AARP Rewards. More than a points-based platform, it’s a mission-driven engagement engine designed to empower people aged 50 and older to live better, healthier lives. By leveraging traditional loyalty mechanisms in non-traditional ways, AARP has built an emotional connection with its members that goes beyond incentives and aims for impact.

At the heart of this innovative program is Arapit Patel, Vice President of Loyalty at AARP. With a background in technology consulting and systems integration, Patel brings a product-minded approach to loyalty that’s focused on outcomes over optics. His path to AARP was unconventional, but his commitment to member well-being is unmistakable.

In an era of short attention spans and digital overload, traditional loyalty communications are increasingly falling flat. For Yosef Peterseil, COO and Co-Founder of Blings, the solution lies not just in better content, but in a more engaging medium altogether. "We're all in a video world. We're all on TikTok and YouTube and Netflix, and that's what we're used to consuming."

Founded in 2019, Blings is a technology company helping brands deliver personalized customer communications replacing static emails and generic SMS with real-time, dynamic video. At the core of this transformation is the company’s patented MP5 video format, which allows personalized videos to be rendered directly on the end user's device.

For over three decades, Noodles & Company has served globally inspired noodle dishes with a side of comfort. But in today’s competitive and value-conscious quick-service landscape, staying relevant, and resonant, requires more than just a beloved bowl of pasta. For Executive Vice President of Marketing Steve Kennedy, long-term success comes down to a deep commitment to customer experience, continuous innovation, and a loyalty strategy that transcends transactions.  

With over 460 locations across the country, Noodles & Company has carved out a distinct niche in the fast-casual sector, offering made-to-order meals that emphasize bold global flavors and fresh ingredients. Kennedy, who joined the brand with deep roots in loyalty marketing from past roles at Domino’s, Nestlé, and Borders Books, sees the company's loyalty strategy not as a standalone program, but as a core expression of its brand ethos. 

As one of the NBA’s most recognized franchises, the Cleveland Cavaliers are deeply woven into the cultural and civic fabric of their city. Behind the high-octane action on the court is a strategic and increasingly sophisticated approach to fan engagement powered by the Cavaliers Marketing team. Central to the marketing team’s success is the role Jeremy Halek plays as the Senior Director of Consumer Marketing. With a background that blends data science and marketing strategy, Halek has helped the organization reshape how it defines and delivers value to fans, emphasizing emotional connection, personalized engagement, and long-term loyalty. 

In this episode of Leaders in Customer Loyalty: Industry Voices, Loyalty360 sits down with Chris Jones, Senior Vice President of Engagement Solutions at ITA Group, for a detailed discussion on the evolving strategies driving customer loyalty in today’s competitive landscape. With decades of experience spanning consumer products, financial services, and retail, Jones brings a practitioner’s perspective to agency strategy offering tactical insights and evidence-based guidance to brands seeking to create meaningful, lasting customer connections.

Health and wellness have become foundational to the modern lifestyle, with consumers redefining what fitness looks like shifting from traditional gym routines to more holistic and mobile-friendly approaches. Walking, hiking, cycling, and fitness-tracking apps are now integral parts of personal health journeys. This evolution has created new opportunities for customer-centric innovation, and few brands are leaning into this shift as effectively as Fleet Feet. 

Founded in 1976 by two women in Sacramento, California, Fleet Feet has grown from a single boutique running store into the country’s largest franchisor of locally owned and operated specialty running retailers. Today, it operates more than 280 stores across 40 states, offering expert outfitting, training programs, and a strong sense of community. At the heart of Fleet Feet’s loyalty strategy is its recently relaunched Fleet Feet Milestones program—an initiative that reflects both its legacy and its forward-thinking ethos. 

Joining us for this edition of Leaders in Customer Loyalty: Brand Stories is Abbey Gurley, Senior Manager of Customer Loyalty at Fleet Feet, who shares how the brand is building emotional loyalty, supporting franchisees, and using customer data with care. 

In a highly competitive and commoditized fuel retail landscape, Petro-Canada, a Suncor business, is refining what customer loyalty looks like. Celebrating 50 years of serving Canadians coast to coast, the brand is leveraging deep insights, digital transformation, and purpose-driven partnerships to build emotional loyalty and maintain its relevance in an evolving market. 

At the heart of this initiative is Amanda Mitchell, Head of Loyalty at Petro-Canada, alongside Monica Stevenson, Strategic Partnerships Manager. With decades of combined experience in loyalty, marketing, and customer engagement, the duo is leading efforts to make Petro-Points, one of Canada's longest-running loyalty programs, more impactful, accessible, and emotionally resonant. Mitchell and Stevenson recently joined Loyalty360’s Ethan Perry on the Leaders in Customer Loyalty podcast to discuss how Petro-Canada is innovating in loyalty, managing complexity, and preparing for the next generation of customer expectations. 

For brands aiming to deepen engagement and create meaningful loyalty experiences, the traditional "earn and burn" model is no longer enough. In today’s Industry Voices, Mary Luckey, Reward Strategy Director at Maritz, shares her perspective on how loyalty programs must evolve to remain relevant — and why reward strategy is at the heart of that transformation. 

With more than two decades at Maritz — and experience across both consumer and B2B loyalty programs — Luckey focuses on what she calls "the really fun part" of loyalty: shaping the rewards members earn. "My role is about working with account teams and clients to ensure they offer the right rewards — whether it's merchandise, gift cards, travel, or experiences — and crafting redemption experiences that truly drive loyalty," she explains. 

At Maritz, the approach to customer loyalty goes well beyond points and transactions. Luckey describes loyalty as a relationship, not a straight line, emphasizing that customer engagement must be seen as a living journey rather than a single outcome. "Since Maritz has always focused on people and behavior change, we design loyalty journeys that tap into emotions," she says. For example, encouraging members who redeem for a major travel reward to create a photo book afterward helps them savor memories and dream about the next trip — subtly pulling them deeper into the brand experience. 

In this Executive Spotlight, Loyalty360 CEO Mark Johnson speaks with Tim Glomb, Head of Operational AI at Wunderkind. Glomb’s unconventional journey—from touring the world with platinum-selling rock bands to producing for MTV and now leading AI operations at a marketing technology powerhouse—offers a fresh, candid view on the future of customer loyalty. With decades of experience on both the brand and tech sides of the fence, Glomb shares his no-nonsense take on brand integration, data activation, AI education, and why mentorship and community matter more than ever. 

In a category often rooted in tradition, the Virginia Lottery is proving that innovation in customer loyalty can thrive even in a highly regulated and complex environment. Under the leadership of Prudence Milligan, Senior Customer Strategy Manager, the Virginia Lottery has launched a forward-thinking, points-based loyalty program that not only sets a precedent within the lottery industry but also reflects a larger commitment to community impact and customer engagement. 

“Our mission at the Virginia Lottery is to generate revenue for K-12 public education,” Milligan explained. “Last year we generated more than $934 million for public schools and, since 1999, we’ve contributed more than $13 billion to schools in the Commonwealth.” 

But while the mission remains paramount, the Virginia Lottery is equally focused on reshaping how players engage with its brand, particularly in an increasingly competitive marketplace. 

Brands are inundated with tools, touchpoints, and evolving consumer behaviors amid increasing economic uncertainty.  In the current context the challenge isn't merely building loyalty, it’s operationalizing it at scale and speed. For Kyle Pretsch, President of Bambu, the solution starts with a fundamental shift in perspective: meet customers where they are, move fast, and deliver value with intent. 

In this edition of Loyalty360’s Industry Voices, Pretsch  shares how Bambu is redefining what it means to be “mobile-first,” why customer loyalty needs to go back to fundamentals, and how brands can build loyalty programs that are both responsive and resilient in today’s attention economy. 

In today's highly competitive restaurant landscape, standing out requires more than just great food. It demands seamless digital experiences, deep emotional connections, and a loyalty strategy that touches every part of the brand. Tropical Smoothie Cafe is meeting that challenge head-on, leveraging loyalty principles to create what it calls “everyday getaways” for its guests. 

At the heart of this effort is Melissa Cummings, Vice President of Digital Marketing. With over three years leading the Tropic Rewards® loyalty program and broader digital initiatives, Cummings has been instrumental in driving nearly 50% year-over-year loyalty growth — an achievement all the more remarkable given today’s fragmented foodservice market. 

Brands are continually seeking innovative ways to enhance member engagement and provide additional value through their customer loyalty strategies. Integrating travel experiences into rewards portfolios has emerged as a compelling strategy to achieve these goals.

In this edition of Leaders in Customer Loyalty: Industry Voices, Loyalty360’s Ethan Perry speaks with Nowell Outlaw, CEO of Switchfly, a travel experience platform that assists companies in creating memorable moments for their customers and employees. Outlaw discusses Switchfly's role in enhancing loyalty and rewards programs, its expansion into employee recognition solutions, and the impact of personalization and AI on the future of customer loyalty. 

In this Executive Spotlight, Loyalty360 CEO Mark Johnson speaks with Ryan Draude, Head of Loyalty Offer Management and Shopper Marketing at Giant Food. Draude shares his forward-thinking perspectives on building loyalty in a highly competitive and increasingly value-driven grocery market. With experience spanning financial services, hospitality, and retail, Draude brings a rich, cross-vertical understanding to loyalty program leadership. He discusses how Giant Food is differentiating through service excellence, deep customer engagement, proactive fraud prevention, and a sharp focus on creating meaningful connections beyond transactions. Draude also offers personal reflections on leadership, mentorship, and paying it forward, highlighting the human side of loyalty strategy in today's dynamic environment. Read the excerpt below and listen to the entire interview on the Leaders in Customer Loyalty podcast. 

For nearly a century, Publix has been a cornerstone of the Southeast’s grocery landscape, earning a level of customer devotion that transcends traditional shopping habits. Founded in 1930 by George Jenkins, the company has grown from a single store in Winter Haven, Florida, to nearly 1,400 stores across eight states, all while remaining true to its founding ethos: take care of your people, and they will take care of your customers. 

In a recent episode of Leaders in Customer Loyalty: Brand Stories, Maria Brous, Director of Communications at Publix, offered an inside look at how the grocer cultivates loyalty by investing in associates, elevating the customer experience, and serving communities with integrity and purpose. 

In an era where brands are increasingly scrutinizing the financial impact of their loyalty strategies, Jonathan Silver, CEO of Engage People, has a clear message: loyalty programs must drive measurable, positive ROI or risk becoming expendable. 
 
Speaking with Loyalty360 as part of the "Leaders in Customer Loyalty: Industry Voices" series, Silver shared his perspective on where loyalty is headed, the technologies reshaping customer engagement, and the strategies brands must embrace to ensure their programs succeed. 

In an era where retail continues to evolve at breakneck speed, Office Depot and OfficeMax are setting a new standard for how customer loyalty is earned, nurtured, and scaled. With hybrid work as the new norm and customer expectations growing more complex, Office Depot is meeting the moment with a bold blend of personalized service, smart data use, and culture-driven execution. 

At the heart of this transformation is Kevin Moffitt, President of Office Depot's integrated business unit. Moffitt joined Office Depot over 13 years ago, initially focusing on e-commerce and digital strategy. His career spanned financial services, nonprofit, and consulting sectors before settling into retail, where he's spent the last two decades. Today, he oversees both Office Depot’s digital platform and its physical retail operations. Moffitt recently joined Mark Johnson, CEO of Loyalty360, on the Leaders in Customer Loyalty podcast to discuss how the brand is redefining customer engagement, what it means to create emotional loyalty in modern retail, and the strategic priorities driving the future of Office Depot's loyalty programs. 

How Loyalty Principles Drive Impact in the Nonprofit Sector 

Loyalty professionals spend much of their time optimizing engagement, designing value exchanges, and driving long-term brand affinity. While these strategies are typically associated with commercial brands, they’re just as relevant, and arguably more critical, in the nonprofit sector, where emotional commitment and sustained participation directly impact lives. 

Feeding America, the largest hunger relief organization in the United States, offers a compelling example of how loyalty principles like hyper-local relevance, omnichannel engagement, emotional connection, and strategic partnerships can be leveraged to build movements, not just memberships.  

In a conversation with Loyalty360, Casey Marsh, Chief Development Officer at Feeding America, provided insight into how the organization’s work is deeply informed by many of the same mechanics used to grow customer loyalty applied through the lens of social mission. 

Bringing Loyalty to Life with an Authentic, Brand-First Approach 

Since its founding in 1963, Portillo’s has built a loyal following with its crave-worthy Chicago-style street food, from iconic Italian beef sandwiches to its famous chocolate cake. Customers don’t just dine at Portillo’s—they celebrate there, creating memories that span generations. Now, with the launch of its first-ever loyalty program, Portillo’s Perks, the brand is taking customer engagement to the next level with an approach that is as unique as the brand itself. 

In a recent interview on Leaders in Customer Loyalty: Brand Stories, Keith Correia, Chief Information Officer, and Vallory McCormack, Director of Marketing, shared insights on Portillo’s loyalty strategy, the role of digital innovation, and how they’re reinforcing customer connections beyond the four walls of their restaurants. 

Welcome to the latest installment of Leaders in Customer Loyalty, the podcast where Loyalty360 sits down with some of the most innovative and accomplished leaders in customer loyalty, engagement, and experience. As part of our Executive Spotlight series, we’re excited to feature a conversation with Per Jensen, Director of Loyalty at Stop & Shop. 

Per brings a global perspective to loyalty strategy, drawing on his rich career across Europe and the United States. In this discussion, Per offers valuable insights into how Stop & Shop is evolving its loyalty approach to align with changing customer expectations, including the rollout of the retailer’s innovative Savings Center, a major shift in how customers access and engage with digital offers. 

Throughout the episode, Per shares his thoughts on the importance of associate engagement, the growing role of private brands in driving loyalty, and why simplicity and clarity are critical for both internal teams and customers when it comes to program design. He also reflects on the differences between European and U.S. loyalty landscapes, offering practical takeaways for brands operating across markets. 

Whether you’re looking to refine your loyalty strategy, enhance internal education about your programs, or gain a fresh perspective on how to build meaningful customer relationships, this conversation with Per Jensen delivers actionable insights and forward-thinking strategies. 

First Tech Federal Credit Union has a long-standing history of serving individuals in the tech industry, providing financial services tailored to their unique needs. In a recent interview, Mairi Burns, Vice President of Brand Marketing at First Tech, discussed the organization’s strategic vision, customer loyalty initiatives, and the recent launch of their ambitious First Tech Beyond program.

In this edition of Loyalty360’s Executive Spotlight, we speak with Don Smith, Chief Consulting Officer at Capillary Technologies. With nearly two decades of experience at Brierley, now part of Capillary, Don offers unique insight into the evolving loyalty landscape — from program design and advanced analytics to the role of AI-driven personalization and member-controlled experiences. 

During this conversation with Mark Johnson, Loyalty360 CEO, Don shares his perspective on the future of customer loyalty, the importance of building programs around customer choice, and how loyalty strategies must evolve to address shifting customer expectations. He also discusses the challenges and opportunities of coalition loyalty in the U.S., the potential for innovation in the automotive sector, and the critical importance of listening to customers and acting on that feedback to build authentic, data-driven relationships. 

For loyalty professionals, brand leaders, and those shaping customer engagement strategies, this episode offers valuable insights and actionable takeaways to apply in your own programs. 

For many, Applebee’s is more than just your neighborhood bar and grill, it’s a place where lifelong memories are made. Whether it’s a first date, a post-game meal with teammates, or a family gathering, the brand has fostered deep emotional connections with its guests for generations. By focusing on personalization, relevance, and employee engagement, Applebee’s is redefining customer loyalty beyond traditional discounts and rewards. 

We sat down with Vicki Hormann, the Executive Director of Off-Premise and CRM at Applebee’s, who gave us insight into the return of their Date Night Pass, their loyalty program, and how they’re planning to keep customers engaged in the years to come.  

Loyalty programs are undergoing a transformation, driven by shifting consumer expectations, technological advancements, and an increased focus on delivering real value. As brands navigate this evolving landscape, they’re making bold moves to refine, reinvent, and, in some cases, completely overhaul their loyalty strategies. 

In this installment of Leaders in Customer Loyalty: Industry Voices, we sit down with Mladen Vladic, Head of Products and Services for Loyalty at FIS, to discuss what’s driving this industry-wide shift. From the growing emphasis on non-transactional rewards to the role of AI in shaping personalized customer experiences, Vlad shares key insights on where loyalty is headed in 2025. 

Welcome to another Leaders in Customer Loyalty: Executive Spotlight, where we bring you insights from top executives driving innovation and excellence in customer engagement. Today, we’re thrilled to feature Aly Blawat, Senior Director of Customer Strategy at Blain’s Farm and Fleet. She is a seasoned leader in customer loyalty and the driving force behind Blain’s rewards programs, credit card offerings, and customer insights strategy. 

With over 15 years of experience in the loyalty space, Aly has a deep understanding of what it takes to foster customer advocacy, streamline in-store training, and create meaningful engagement strategies. In this conversation, she shares her approach to aligning loyalty initiatives with business goals, leveraging first-party data to enhance customer experiences, and overcoming the challenge of driving program adoption across diverse customer segments. 

Beyond her professional expertise, Aly also opens up about leadership lessons learned from her early career in retail management, the challenges of balancing a high-impact career with family life, and her passion for outdoor recreation. 

Join Loyalty360 CEO Mark Johnson as he explores how Aly is shaping the future of customer loyalty at Blain’s Supply and gain valuable insights into the strategies that are making an impact in today’s evolving retail landscape. 

Cruises.com has unveiled Cruises.com Rewards, the cruise industry’s first points-based loyalty program, offering travelers the flexibility to earn and redeem points on any cruise booked through their platform. This loyalty program is unique as it enables cruisers to immediately redeem their points for onboard credit, cash back, merchandise, and more, enhancing the overall cruise experience.  

Loyalty360 CEO, Mark Johnson, recently sat down with Rosemarie Reed, Senior Vice President of Marketing for cruises.com, who has played a pivotal role in the launch of Cruises.com Rewards. This episode of Brand Stories highlights various key factors in how to create a successful loyalty program and best practices to keeping customers engaged through the program. 

As part of the Leaders in Customer Loyalty: Industry Voices series, we had the opportunity to speak with Alexa Pak, Customer Success Lead of EMEA at Talon.One. Pak brings extensive expertise in helping brands enhance their loyalty programs through strategic innovation and personalization.

In this discussion, she shares her insights on key trends that will shape customer loyalty in 2025 and beyond.

In our first Executive Spotlight of the year Loyalty360 CEO Mark Johnson dives into an energizing conversation with Amy Barnett, the Vice President of Digital Experience and Loyalty at Cracker Barrel, as part of the Leaders in Customer Loyalty Series. From spearheading a loyalty program that now drives 30% of Cracker Barrel’s sales to shaping an iconic brand’s transformation in today’s rapidly evolving dining landscape, Amy reveals her playbook for success.

This interview is packed with fresh insights on harnessing the "power couple" of first- and third-party data, leveraging generative AI for personalization, and shaking up outdated technology strategies. Plus, Amy shares her career secrets, her passion for mentorship, and the advice she’d give to the next generation of loyalty professionals. Don’t miss this dynamic conversation with one of the industry's most dynamic leaders, she’ll leave you inspired and ready to level up your customer loyalty strategy!

Customer loyalty in the grocery industry is no longer just about discounts and rewards points. It is about creating meaningful connections and offering tangible value in ways that truly resonate. United Supermarkets has embraced this shift by blending gamification, digital engagement, and health-focused initiatives to drive deeper customer loyalty. 

To explore this strategy, we spoke with Brenda Garcia, Health & Wellness Manager and Registered Dietitian, and Robin Cash, Director of Digital and Loyalty Marketing at United Supermarkets. Their insights reveal how customer expectations are evolving—and how United is staying ahead of the curve. 

Loyalty programs have evolved far beyond simple points and rewards. In an era where consumers expect hyper-personalized experiences and seamless omnichannel interactions, brands must rethink how they engage and retain customers. From leveraging AI to recalibrating business models, staying ahead requires both innovation and strategic execution. 

In this episode of Industry Voices, Mark Johnson of Loyalty360 sits down with Don Smith, Chief Consulting Officer at Capillary, to unpack the latest trends in customer loyalty. They discuss what predictions for 2024 held true, where the industry fell short, and what key strategies will define success in 2025. With insights on AI, partnerships, financial engineering, and program design, this conversation is a must-read for any loyalty professional looking to refine their approach. 

In a beverage industry dominated by coffee culture, iced tea is making a bold statement, thanks to HTeaO. The rapidly growing franchise has transformed a traditionally home-brewed beverage into a sought-after, in-store experience that fosters both emotional and transactional loyalty.  

We recently sat down with Heath Nielsen, President of HTeaO, to discuss the company’s journey, its approach to customer engagement, and the future of iced tea in the quick-service industry. 

Chuck E. Cheese has been a household name in family entertainment for nearly five decades. With 560 locations across 17 countries, the brand has entertained families with children ages 2 to 12 through its unique blend of games, pizza, and birthday celebrations. However, as consumer preferences and economic challenges have shifted, Chuck E. Cheese has adapted with significant investments in modernizing its facilities and reimagining its loyalty programs to better meet the needs of today’s families. In our latest installment of Leaders in Customer Loyalty, we had the chance to learn more about the details of these fresh initiatives from Mark Kupferman, the Executive Vice President and Chief Insights and Marketing Officer. 

Read the full article on Loyalty360 here: https://loyalty360.org/content-gallery/in-depth-exclusives/pizza-play-and-a-fun-pass-how-chuck-e-cheese-is-winning-hearts-and-wallets

Watch the full interview here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S6F9lpzXIKM

Loyalty is no longer just about points and perks. It is about creating authentic connections and experiences that resonate. In this edition of Loyalty Live, we spoke with Katie Berndt, Vice President of Strategy, Research, and Insights at Phaedon, to uncover the biggest trends in customer loyalty and how brands can rise to meet them. Katie shared grounded, data-driven insights that reveal how loyalty programs are evolving—and how businesses can stay relevant by striking the perfect balance between innovation and consistency. 

Read the full interview on Loyalty3360 here: https://loyalty360.org/content-gallery/daily-news/loyalty-live-key-customer-loyalty-trends-with-phaedon-s-katie-berndt

Brands are constantly exploring innovative ways to engage their audiences and stand out in a crowded marketplace. From leveraging partnerships to gamifying experiences, the loyalty strategies shaping 2025 are redefining how brands connect with their customers on a deeper, more meaningful level.

In this edition of Loyalty Live, Loyalty360 speaks with Ellen Green, Vice President of Loyalty Strategy at Bounteous Trends. Ellen shares insights into the industries driving loyalty program innovation, the rise of gamification, and the importance of emotional loyalty in creating lasting connections. She also discusses the challenges brands face in adopting new technologies and how they can ensure a balanced approach that delivers measurable value.

When a brand like True Religion—famous for its bold urban casualwear and iconic denim—reimagines its customer loyalty program, it’s more than a refresh. It’s a statement. Under the leadership of Kristen D’Arcy, the brand’s first-ever Chief Marketing Officer, True Religion’s loyalty program has undergone a transformation that has already delivered impressive results.

In this podcast, we’ll explore how True Religion rebranded its loyalty program to increase customer engagement, build deeper connections, and reinforce its brand identity. From leveraging non-transactional earning opportunities to delivering experiences money can’t buy, Kristen reveals how True Religion stays true to its ethos of daring to be different.

Watch the full interview here: https://youtu.be/vM9LvJUBLqg

Read the full article on Loyalty360 here: https://loyalty360.org/content-gallery/in-depth-exclusives/daring-to-be-different-how-true-religion-builds-authentic-customer-loyalty

Brands today face a growing challenge: how to keep loyalty programs engaging and relevant in a market filled with similar offerings. As customers demand more tailored experiences and meaningful interactions, the loyalty landscape is shifting toward smarter integrations, innovative technology, and creative strategies.

In this edition of Loyalty Live, Loyalty360 sits down with Aaron Lobliner, Chief Client Officer at Cataboom, to explore the trends and strategies brands are leveraging to create impactful loyalty programs. From balancing innovation with consistency to integrating gamification and non-transactional rewards, Aaron provides valuable insights into how brands can differentiate themselves and foster deeper customer engagement.

Loyalty360 recently spoke with Paul Nguyen, Senior Marketing Manager at Upper Deck, a leading brand in the trading card and memorabilia industry. Paul shared valuable insights into Upper Deck’s approach to customer loyalty, particularly through their innovative My MVP 2024 promotion. This program highlights the importance of fan engagement and community-building, two key pillars for loyalty program professionals.  
By involving dedicated hockey fans in a contest that celebrates their contributions to the sport and community, Upper Deck not only strengthens its brand loyalty but also drives deeper connections with customers. As Upper Deck continues to evolve its marketing and customer engagement strategies, the My MVP promotion serves as a prime example of how brands can leverage unique, fan-focused campaigns to enhance customer loyalty. 

As marketing, and the technologies powering it, are becoming increasingly complex, brands that are striving to connect with customers on a deeper level must navigate emerging challenges like anonymous website traffic and fragmented data. To stand out, companies must embrace advancements that enhance personalization and drive loyalty without compromising privacy.

Enter Wunderkind, a respected partner in identity resolution and performance marketing, which helps brands unlock the full potential of their customer data while ensuring compliance with privacy standards.

In this edition of Loyalty Live, Mark Johnson of Loyalty360 sits down with Tim Glomb, Vice President of Digital Content, Product Marketing, and AI at Wunderkind. Together, they explore the transformative power of AI and identity resolution in driving customer loyalty and revenue. From the nuances of privacy-compliant data usage to the future of autonomous marketing, Tim offers invaluable insights into how brands can forge meaningful connections with their customers in 2025 and beyond.

Loyalty360 had the pleasure of speaking with John Sellers, Head of Rewards at Bank of America and 2024 Loyalty Expo Champion of Customer Loyalty honoree. Bank of America’s Preferred Rewards program boasts 11 million members and leverages technology and engaged associates to provide personalized value. Mark Johnson, CEO of Loyalty360, discussed key perspectives on the customer loyalty experience with John.

Read the full article on Loyalty360 here.

Watch the full interview here.

As the digital experience becomes a bigger and bigger part of a buyer’s journey, brands must quickly adapt to meet the evolving preferences of their customers. Nowhere is this truer than with Gen Z, a generation that expects seamless, personalized, and mobile-first experiences. Fat Brands, a global leader in franchising with over 2,300 locations and 18 brands, is making strides to capture this audience through innovative digital strategies.

Understanding the Gen Z Mindset

Gen Z, comprising individuals born between 1997 and 2012, represents a significant portion of the consumer base. They are digital natives, having grown up with technology at their fingertips, and they expect brands to offer intuitive and efficient digital interactions. In our research, Loyalty360 found that Generation Z expects much more from a loyalty program than millennials. They want to save money, get additional perks, and earn rewards. They look for member-only discounts, coupons, and perks like free shipping and free samples.    

Lisa Cheatham, Vice President of Marketing Revenue Channels at Fat Brands, explains how the company has pivoted to address the demands of Gen Z consumers. "We've observed a couple of trends here," Cheatham says. "The pandemic accelerated the shift towards digital. Across all our brands, we’ve seen a surge in online ordering and mobile app usage.”

For Gen Z, convenience and personalization are paramount. “They expect a seamless online ordering experience,” notes Cheatham. “That was a key insight as we developed our app. We wanted to make it as easy to use and flexible as possible.”

David’s Bridal stands as a powerhouse in the bridal retail market, with one out of every three brides in the United States walking down the aisle in one of their gowns. Kelly Cook, President of Brand Technology and Finance at David’s Bridal, explains that this prominent position not only fuels their dedication to brides but also their innovative approach to customer loyalty. In a recent interview, Cook shared how David’s Bridal leverages data, personalized customer experiences, and unique loyalty initiatives to build strong emotional connections with their customers. 

Memorable experiences are a key part of creating lasting customer relationships, and Häagen-Dazs Shops are taking steps to enhance its approach. In this conversation with Maya Pocock, Brand Marketing leader for Häagen-Dazs Shops, Loyalty360 CEO Mark Johnson gets the inside scoop into how the iconic ice cream brand is building loyalty through its refreshed app. With a focus on frictionless engagement and visually stunning design, Häagen-Dazs is improving user experience and operational efficiency in a simplified and aesthetically appealing platform for customer engagement.

Read the full article on Loyalty360 here.

Cava, a Mediterranean-inspired restaurant chain with over 340 locations has carved out a unique space in the competitive fast-casual dining industry. Known for its fresh ingredients and vibrant Mediterranean flavors, the chain has not only captured the attention of health-conscious diners but also the loyalty of investors. In line with its remarkable growth, Cava has refreshed its Cava Rewards loyalty program, offering insights into how innovative loyalty strategies can support brand growth and customer engagement.

Read the full article on Loyalty360 here: https://loyalty360.org/content-gallery/in-depth-exclusives/cava-s-loyalty-program-driving-growth-amid-a-surge-in-popularity

Travel rewards have become increasingly popular in recent years, with more and more people taking advantage of the opportunity to earn points and miles on their everyday spending. According to a recent survey by NerdWallet, 41% of Americans have at least one travel rewards credit card. The variety of travel rewards programs in the market allows consumers to choose rewards that fit their lifestyle and build loyalty with brands they identify with. s have at least one travel rewards credit card. The variety of travel rewards programs in the market allows consumers to choose rewards that fit their lifestyle and build loyalty with brands they identify with. 

BWH Hotels has accommodated travelers and listened to their needs for over 75 years. At the core of this diverse portfolio of brands, including Best Western, is a commitment to exceptional customer experience. BWH's recent initiatives, including the launch of two new co-branded credit cards in partnership with Mercury Financial and Visa, highlight their commitment to meeting the evolving needs of customers and helping them stand out in the competitive hospitality market. These credit cards offer a variety of benefits tailored to both frequent and occasional travelers.   

"We are excited that this will make travel experiences more possible for our cardholders and our members," said Jay Hubbs, Vice President of Advertising, Marketing, Innovation and Analytics at BWH Hotel Group. "Our partnership combines the expertise of Mercury Financial and Visa with our award-winning Best Western Rewards loyalty program."

Read the full article on Loyalty360 here: https://loyalty360.org/content-gallery/in-depth-exclusives/bwh-hotels-elevating-customer-loyalty-and-inspiring-travel

In our latest edition of Loyalty Live, Loyalty360, speaks with Shamba Schmidt, Vice President, Solution Consulting at Epsilon. As a global marketing and data technology company known for its innovative approach to loyalty solutions and data-driven customer engagement, Epsilon leverages its extensive data repository and robust data practices to help brands forge meaningful and personalized connections with their customers.

Listen to learn more about how Epsilon enables brands to harness data to drive loyalty, from enhancing customer profiles to implementing customized loyalty strategies that resonate with today’s consumers.

Designing an enterprise-level loyalty program from scratch is challenging on its own, but doing so for a large franchise organization like Supercuts—spanning 1,900 locations with over 400 local loyalty initiatives—raises the stakes even higher.

Despite the daunting nature of the project, leadership at Supercuts saw an opportunity to build on the brand’s existing culture of customer loyalty. With a culture centered on customer connections, they leveraged guest feedback as a guide throughout the process. These details- the holistic approach and the culture- are table stakes needed within an organization to lay foundational guideposts to create a successful and personalized customer loyalty strategy.  

Loyalty360 CEO Mark Johnson recently spoke with Michelle DeVore, Sr. Vice President and Head of Marketing for Regis Corporations, parent company of Supercuts, who is responsible for the launch of the Supercuts for Reward Program. Their discussion touches on several fundamental principles in building a successful loyalty program and best practices that can apply to any industry.

Artificial intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) continue to be top of mind as marketers are leveraging AI and ML in a variety of ways to improve their customer loyalty programs and strategies. Integration of these technologies into day-to-day workflows is a challenge for many brands, especially when considering potential roadblocks from limited budgets, internal resources, and the ability for these innovative technologies to complement brands’ existing marketing technology stacks.

Loyalty360 CEO Mark Johnson recently spoke with Monique De La Rosa. VP, Data Science and Analytics at Ansira, about the opportunities AI and ML present to elevate customer loyalty programs with more seamless and personalized experiences.

The philosophy “the customer is always right” drives many marketers to value client, patron, and guest feedback.  

Piada Italian Street Food, known for its fresh Italian-inspired menu, has steadily expanded since its founding in 2010, now operating in seven states with plans for continued growth. The brand has made it a priority to listen closely to customer feedback, leveraging data-driven insights to enhance both its on-site and digital experiences. As loyalty programs evolve, Piada has embraced gamification, flexible reward redemption, and exclusive offers to engage guests more deeply.  

Loyalty360 recently spoke with Jason Profitt, VP of Technology at Piada Italian Street Food, about their latest loyalty program updates aimed at delivering a more personalized, seamless experience for customers. 

When a large financial institution decides to enhance the construction of its customer loyalty program, it can be challenging. Yet repositioning a program in a highly competitive Canadian market where large coalition programs are inter-matched with traditional brand-based customer loyalty efforts can be even more daunting. One of the ways to measure how brands enhance customer loyalty efforts is to look at the program’s metrics and KPIs. Another is to take home multiple awards at Loyalty360’s 2024 Loyalty Expo. Nothing says success quite like the recognition from your peers within the customer loyalty industry!

To learn more about this award-winning program, Loyalty360 recently spoke with Avery Miller, VP of Avion Rewards Digital Product, at the Royal Bank of Canada (RBC). Miller “grew up” in the financial services industry in the payment space, working for a relatively large issuer in the U.S. He joined RBC about two years ago to lead the digital product for their freshly revamped Avion Rewards. 

In this interview, Miller discusses the award-winning Avion Rewards program, creating emotional loyalty, and growing relationships with non-RBC clients.  

Founded in 1993, The Lacek Group designs, builds, and maintains loyalty programs for top brands across the globe. As part of the Ogilvy network, the Lacek team converts disconnected tech stacks and processes into successful CRM programs powered by data-driven strategies. The company helps brands deliver relevant messaging at scale across channels to ensure connected, seamless experiences. The company works across a broad range of industries, including travel, financial services, hospitality, cruise lines, QSR, retail, automotive, health care, telecommunications, CPG, and more. 

Loyalty360 spoke with Todd Hedberg, Senior Director of Digital Strategy at The Lacek Group. Hedberg has been with Lacek for just over three years and is still relatively new to the marketing side. He defines customer loyalty as an opportunity to strengthen customer bonds—both emotionally and transactionally—in every customer interaction. Hedberg and the Lacek team aspire to help clients achieve brand devotion with their customers.

In this article, Hedberg discusses working with clients to achieve deeper personalization, how artificial intelligence and machine learning fit into the equation, and going deeper to mine individual customer preferences.

Inspired by its San Antonio roots, Church’s Texas Chicken® has served flavorful fried chicken for over 72 years. Founded by George W. Church in a location across the street from the iconic Alamo, the restaurant was first known as Church’s Fried Chicken To-Go®. Today, there are 800 Church’s locations in the U.S., spanning 25 states plus Washington D.C. Outside of the U.S., the brand is known as Texas Chicken® and can be found in more than 23 countries and regions, including Canada, Mexico, New Zealand, the Middle East, and more.   

Loyalty360 recently spoke with Jessica Wu-McConnell, Vice President Digital and Loyalty at Church’s. With just over a year at the brand, Wu-McConnell’s role is to ensure guests are presented with the easiest, fastest, and most rewarding ways to enjoy Church’s menu.  

In this interview, Wu-McConnell discusses the newly launched Church’s REAL REWARDSTM program, prioritizing a true omnichannel experience to better serve all guests, and educating team members so they can communicate the value of the program. 

Founded in 2008, WillowTree was built on a heritage of mobile applications. While the company still engages in much of that work, it’s grown into other areas in support of brands, including strategy and consulting, data and artificial intelligence (AI), digital marketing, loyalty program design, and more. WillowTree works alongside brands to develop successful loyalty programs and, in many cases, administers them. The company works in a variety of industries, including Financial Services, Health Care, Telecom, Travel and Hospitality, Food Service, and Retail and Consumer Goods, among others.  

Loyalty360 spoke with Caitlin Watson, Partner, Marketing Services, and David Shaw, VP, Business Development, at WillowTree. Watson has been with the company for the last three years, helping to develop the company’s marketing services department—specifically in the areas of loyalty, strategy, and technology—while also working to build out MarTech services, CRM, lifecycle, and all elements of the customer journey. Shaw has led insight and strategy teams for his whole career. At WillowTree, he leverages his experience in strategy development to help determine how the company can go to market with individual companies and with specific vertical strategies—many of which involve loyalty.

Founded by William Carter, children’s apparel retailer Carter’s is nearly a 165-year-old company that helps parents navigate parenthood. Today, the company operates more than 1,000 stores worldwide. Carter’s family of brands—including Carter’s, OshKosh B’gosh, Little Planet, and Skip Hop—are recognized across the globe and available online and in Carter’s owned stores, while exclusive lines can be found at the brand’s retail partners, such as Walmart, Target, and Amazon.   

To learn about the recent updates to Carter’s loyalty program and how the brand is intentionally addressing the challenges and perceptions of parenthood, Loyalty360 spoke with Jeff Jenkins, CMO at Carter’s. Jenkins is an acclaimed marketing professional with extensive experience in multiple industries and has been with Carter’s for five years. In his role, he oversees marketing, brand strategy, customer insights, business intelligence, communications, creative, visual merchandising, PR and customer service experience, and more. 

In this interview, Jenkins discusses the concept behind the “More Than Just Cute” campaign, appealing to the next generation of customers, and how platform integration needs to work in a martech stack to create a seamless customer experience.   

Hilton is a leading global hospitality company with 24 world-class brands for all guests’ stay needs at over 7,800 properties across 126 countries and territories. Through acquisitions that allow for more destination choices, technology innovations that make processes easier for guests, and brand partnerships that offer guests and Hilton Honors members even more benefits and perks, Hilton has set the bar high for what it means to truly deliver an elevated customer experience.  

As a hospitality brand, the goal is to make the stay better for guests in almost every corner of the world. This includes loyalty program design, enhancing the value proposition and loyalty redemption, and making travel more seamless and flexible for program members.

To learn about Hilton’s latest customer loyalty and experience efforts, Mark Johnson, CEO of Loyalty360, spoke with Brad Anderson, Vice President of Hilton Honors at Hilton. Anderson joined Hilton nearly eight years ago and leads the overall global strategy for the brand’s award-winning loyalty program, Hilton Honors, which now reaches more than 195 million members worldwide. Since joining the company, Anderson and his team have charted new courses for the program, achieving massive growth—almost 130 million new members. 

In this interview, Anderson discusses the brand’s growing portfolio, establishing the right strategic partnerships, and speaking the language of Gen Z and Millennial travelers through digital innovation.

Paris Baguette specializes in whole cakes, pastries, and breads, as well as artisan coffees, sandwiches, and other savory items. Globally, the brand has over 4,000 locations. In North America, the brand currently counts almost 200 locations.

To learn about Paris Baguette’s recent changes to its loyalty program as part of a broader effort to enhance the overall guest experience, Loyalty360 spoke with Cathy Chavenet, Paris Baguette’s North America Chief Marketing Officer. Chavenet is a seasoned marketing professional with extensive experience in the food service industry, particularly in the coffee and snack shop sector. At Paris Baguette, Chavenet is responsible for brand marketing initiatives and menu innovation.

In this interview, Chavenet discusses the brand’s updated rewards program, approaching challenges while leveraging opportunities in technology, and building emotional loyalty by creating joyful experiences for guests.

JOANN is an iconic 80-year-old brand that’s continued to succeed over the years by prioritizing relevancy with each new generation. JOANN operates approximately 850 stores in 49 states, and while the brand is the number one retailer in “all things fabric and sewing,” it also carries a large assortment of crafts, arts and crafts, and seasonal decor for customers.  

The brand has learned that while trends may change over the years, in its industry, millions of people remain hardwired to create items with their hands, minds, and hearts. The team at JOANN believes how a customer is served will make or break a customer loyalty program and focuses on delivering exceptional customer service in support of its Smiles Rewards program. This is one of the reasons for JOANN’s longevity in retail. 

While the brand has remained relevant in its authenticity with its customers, as the decades have passed, creators have evolved, too. More than ever, with a new generation of customers seeking to express themselves and connect with their communities through creative efforts, JOANN must ensure it is delivering the right message in the right channels to successfully engage younger creators while maintaining its connection to customers who have come to JOANN for decades.     

Mark Johnson, CEO of Loyalty360, spoke with Chris DiTullio, Chief Customer Officer at JOANN, about the retailer’s rebranding as “JO-AND,” serving the next wave of creators, and how the customer experience makes way for emotional loyalty.  

Edible Brands was founded in 1999 by Tariq Farid, and the company has revolutionized the gifting industry by merging the innovation of a powerful e-commerce platform with locally owned brick-and-mortar locations worldwide. The brand’s expansive footprint and delivery network sets it apart. Edible can deliver to 80% of U.S. households in an hour. 

Seeking to ensure that the brand was truly meeting the expectations and demands of an increasingly busy consumer, Edible recently launched a new brand within its portfolio: FreshFruit.com, a direct-to-consumer fruit delivery service. Ease of ordering, quality, and a frictionless experience are designed to enhance relationships with consumers while strengthening emotional loyalty.

Mark Johnson, CEO of Loyalty360, spoke with Lindsey Servold, Director of Marketing at Edible Brands. Servold’s role encompasses a wide range of responsibilities to drive brand growth and enhance market presence. This includes managing integrated marketing strategies and overseeing the execution to help propel the company’s goals and vision forward. 

In this interview, Servold shares more about the new FreshFruit.com brand, growing emotional loyalty through delivering quality and delight, and investing in world-class technology in-house. 

Harps Food Stores was founded in 1930 by Harvard and Floy Harp. Today, headquartered in Springdale, Arkansas, the grocery retailer counts 147 stores in six states, offering conventional to cost-plus formats. The company is the largest employee-owned company in the state. 

To gain more insight into today’s grocery retail industry while learning about Harps’ recently launched loyalty program, Loyalty360 spoke with David Ganoung, SVP and CMO, at Harps. In this podcast, Ganoung discusses the brand’s rewards program, personalized promotions based on a customer’s shopping habits and basket, and the challenge of bringing customers in-store in an e-commerce world.  

What we are seeing and hearing for the week ending September 13th, 2024. Today we are going to discuss the top 8 challenges related to customer loyalty.

Loyalty360 has the privilege of being in a unique space in the customer loyalty industry, we hear from the leading brands and technology companies as to the “state” of the industry. We do brand focused research throughout the year based on areas of interest from the brand community. 

Loyalty360 also has an advisory board who helps shape the topics, trends and area of focus for the association. It is a very diverse group of senior level experts in the customer loyalty space.

During the 2024 Loyalty Expo, the group met and during a breakfast meeting we went around the table to discuss the challenges and opportunities they are seeing, which led us to this top 8 challenges of customer loyalty.

• Shorter Attention Spans
• Engaging Younger Generations
• Keeping up with Martech
• Increased Pressure on Cost
• Data & Privacy
• Partnerships
• Bringing Focus to Loyalty
• Framing Customer Loyalty - Cost vs. Investment

2024 State of Customer Loyalty Paper

Loyalty Expo Partnership Session

Amy Barnett’s – Lunch and Learn

Next Generation customer Loyalty Paper

Per Jenson’s July Lunch and Learn session on socialization of customer loyalty program

About the series:

Loyalty360’s videocast is “What We're Seeing and Hearing,” a weekly summary of trends, insights, and best practices that our team is hearing directly from leading brands — both member and non-members — as well as from supplier partners.

Many details in “What We Are Hearing” will be high-level and often anonymous to provide an open dialogue for those telling Loyalty360 their story. As a trusted advisor to the customer experience and the customer loyalty market, we see a significant amount of impactful and challenging scenarios in the market. This is Loyalty360’s way of bringing this inside information to the market in a timely and concise manner that others can learn from

Kobie provides robust solutions for its brand partners. Thoughtful design on the front end, coupled with extensible, configurable technology, leads to a seamless customer experience. The company takes a strategy-led, technology-enabled approach as it works to narrow down to what truly drives a consumer to be loyal at an emotional level. This allows clients to grow the enterprise value of their membership and of their customer base through loyalty. Kobie’s market-leading platform helps deliver those end-to-end loyalty solutions.  

Kobie primarily works within retail, financial services, travel and hospitality, and quick-service restaurant (QSR) industries, but it also serves clients in a number of other verticals. From the company’s strategic services standpoint, it partners alongside clients in healthcare and manufacturing, among others. 

Loyalty360 spoke with Dr. J.R. Slubowski, Kobie’s AVP of Strategic Consulting and Head of Kobie’s Research Center of Excellence, about key findings in its recent consumer research report, leveraging the power of program tiers, and avoiding pitfalls when rolling out new program features or functionalities.

Emotional loyalty is one of the most important facets of customer loyalty. Understanding what drives it and being able to leverage it throughout all the brand touchpoints is important—and extremely challenging.

David’s Bridal focuses on supporting the moments that matter to its customers. The brand endeavors to help customers enjoy these deeply emotional experiences and has developed holistic loyalty programs such as David’s Bridal Diamond and Diamond High to address the opportunities before them.

In this podcast, Loyalty360 CEO Mark Johnson talks to Dave Feldman, Chief Marketing Officer at David’s Bridal, about the brand’s loyalty programs and offerings. Feldman also touches on how providing customers with incredible value helps make the process of planning for “once-in-a-lifetime” events as stress-free as possible, as well as how a focus on next generation customer loyalty supports Diamond High and, ultimately, Diamond loyalty.     

In this week's Loyalty360 What We're Seeing and Hearing, we dive into the ongoing discussions and trends shaping the customer loyalty industry. Key topics include the importance of training and socialization within loyalty programs and the latest insights from our peer group discussions.

Highlights:

• Training and Socialization: We explore the critical need for effective training in loyalty programs, focusing on recent discussions and insights from Stop & Shop’s Per Jenson’s impactful July session. 

Listen to Stop & Shop's discussion here.

Trends Discussed:

• Brand Refreshing: Leveraging customer loyalty programs to enhance brand experience.
• Employee Engagement: Identifying passionate advocates and improving internal understanding of loyalty programs.
•  Metrics and Training: Emphasizing the use of data to align sales incentives and exploring the effectiveness of bite-sized training.
• Upcoming Digital Roundtables: Join us August 27th at 12pm as Amy Barnett from Cracker Barrel shares strategies on brand transformation and loyalty ecosystem advancements. 

More information here.


About the series:

Loyalty360’s videocast is “What We're Seeing and Hearing,” a weekly summary of trends, insights, and best practices that our team is hearing directly from leading brands — both member and non-members — as well as from supplier partners.

Many details in “What We Are Hearing” will be high-level and often anonymous to provide an open dialogue for those telling Loyalty360 their story. As a trusted advisor to the customer experience and the customer loyalty market, we see a significant amount of impactful and challenging scenarios in the market. This is Loyalty360’s way of bringing this inside information to the market in a timely and concise manner that others can learn from.

Driving customer loyalty can be a difficult task in the best economic times. As the year moves forward, economic headwinds are impacting a significant number of customers in varied ways.  

One of the industries most impacted is grocery, as customers continue to look for value. Many grocers seek to increase their assortment of private label and store brands to bring that value to customers while strengthening the bottom line. There are challenges and opportunities in doing so—navigating changes, educating customers, and working with consumer packaged goods (CPG) companies.   

These challenges are being deftly handled by Ryan Draude, Head of Omnichannel Loyalty at Giant Food. The award-winning Giant Flexible Rewards® program was configured by Draude, and he continues to administrate it. In this interview with Loyalty360, Draude shares what he is seeing within the grocery industry. 


Watch the full interview here.

Read the feature on Loyalty360 here.

Elevating customer loyalty while driving personalized content, experiences, and incentives that truly resonate with the customer is critically important in today’s marketplace. Loyalty360’s brand members report the need to drive personalization at scale—necessitating a deeper understanding of disparate technologies that require seamless integration to allow for coordinated orchestration leveraging first- and zero-party data.  

Often, in challenging economic environments, budgets are constrained. Understanding new technologies and their actual functionalities can be a hurdle for many brands. Securing placement in the organization’s implementation queue and earning priority designation can be an uphill battle.  

Loyalty360’s research consistently indicates that brands do not feel they have the ability to understand the rapidly evolving martech environment, yet that did not stop Blaze Pizza from leveraging their legacy technologies into a series of manual processes to drive award-winning personalization. 

Blaze Pizza was a finalist at Loyalty360’s 2024 Loyalty Expo in the Customer Analytics, Insights, and Metrics category, taking home the Bronze Award. In this in-depth exclusive, the brand’s Senior Growth Marketing Manager, Lindsay Smith, discusses the company’s unique approach to customer loyalty, how it’s leveraging geo-fencing and gamification, and how—even in a cautionary economic environment—Blaze Pizza is creatively driving sales.


Watch the full interview here.

Read the feature on Loyalty360 here.

Engage People is a technology innovation company with a vision to bring technology to the forefront to enable a better customer experience. The company seeks to leverage today’s technologies to drive improved outcomes for brands while elevating loyalty programs and the member experience.  

Jonathan Silver, CEO of Engage People, has worked in the industry for over 36 years. He began his career with Maritz Canada—now Bond—before holding various senior positions in the loyalty sector. Nearly 16 years ago, Silver co-founded the precursor to Engage People before rebranding the company in 2015. Today, his role at Engage People focuses on strategy and sales. 

Mark Johnson, CEO of Loyalty360, spoke with Silver about “paying with points” technology, the uChoose Rewards® program managed with partner Fiserv, and making the offer-redemption experience seamless for customers.

In 2003, Insomnia Cookies was founded by Seth Berkowitz, a University of Pennsylvania college student seeking a late-night sweet treat—a shared need that turned into an opportunity for Berkowitz on the UPenn campus. He baked cookies in his college house kitchen and delivered them to hungry students in the early hours of the morning.  

The brand now counts two decades of serving up delicious cookies to customers, with nearly 300 stores across the U.S. and a couple in the U.K. and Canada. Select stores are open late—sometimes until 3 o’clock in the morning— depending upon the night. The cookies are served warm, and brand fans can also order ice cream to accompany baked treats.   

Mark Johnson, CEO of Loyalty360, spoke to Tom Carusona, Chief Marketing Officer of Insomnia Cookies, about launching a new loyalty program, understanding customer segments and how to activate them, and tapping into emotional loyalty.

Watch the full interview here: https://youtu.be/Or-mtujWRDQ

Read the feature on Loyalty360 here: https://loyalty360.org/content-gallery/in-depth-exclusives/insomnia-cookies-launching-a-new-loyalty-program-and-building-robust-customer-profiles-for-increase

Switchfly was founded in 2003 as a travel technology startup. Today, Switchfly is a travel experience platform that allows brands to create memorable moments for employees. As a concept, the company is the silent partner in many of the major loyalty programs that consumers recognize. For the last 20 years, the company has been behind many of the loyalty points programs in financial services and the airline industry, which reward and engage consumers with travel. When consumers take points earned through a credit card to pay for travel, Switchfly works behind the scenes, applying those points to hotels and flights. The company also services car rentals and activities globally. 

About 18 months prior to sitting down with Loyalty360, Switchfly began to focus on Human Resources and Rewards and Recognition for Employee Engagement in corporate America. Internal customers—employees—have many of the same expectations and wants in a loyalty program as a brand’s external customers.

Mark Johnson, CEO of Loyalty360, spoke with Nowell Outlaw, CEO at Switchfly, about effectively engaging employees with loyalty program benefits, modernizing tools in the travel ecosystem, and leveraging technology to make “smart” recommendations for customers. 

Affectionally labeled as the “most Canadian brand in Canada,” Tim Hortons is a beloved quick-service restaurant (QSR) featuring coffee and other beverages, delicious donuts, breakfast favorites, and sandwiches. The brand counts more than 5,000 restaurants worldwide—with the majority of them located in Canada. Tim Hortons restaurants can be found in the U.S., with more concentrated pockets close to the Canadian border.   

The company was founded 60 years ago in Hamilton, Ontario, and has since become the largest restaurant chain in Canada. Tim Hortons serves nearly 7 out of 10 coffees purchased in the nation, which represents approximately 80% of Canadian visits to Tim Hortons’ restaurants at least once per month. Today, the brand is arguably embedded in the fabric of Canadian life, with core values rooted in those of Canadians.

Tim Hortons was a finalist at Loyalty360’s 2024 Loyalty Expo in the Customer Experience Strategy and the Loyalty Program Design categories, taking home the Silver Award in the former and the Bronze Award in the latter. 

Mark Johnson, CEO of Loyalty360, spoke with Ricardo Frydman, Director of Performance Analytics & Pricing for Tims Financial, and Shannon Torabi, Senior Manager for Digital & Loyalty Growth at Tim Hortons, about the launch of Tims Word Challenge, authentic emotional loyalty, and how customers must always be top of mind.

Watch the interview here: https://youtu.be/uImmE12atxI

Read the feature on Loyalty360 here: https://loyalty360.org/content-gallery/in-depth-exclusives/tim-hortons-cultivating-and-increasing-customer-engagement-by-leveraging-a-unique-and-innovative-ap

The company that would eventually become Stop & Shop was founded in 1914 when the Economy Grocery Store opened in Somerville, MA. In four short years, 32 stores made up the thriving grocery chain. By 1942, Stop & Shop, Inc. became the company’s official name, and expansion into surrounding states continued. Today, Stop & Shop is one of the several grocery brands operated by Ahold Delhaize, with roughly 400 stores located throughout New York, New England, and New Jersey. 

Stop & Shop was a finalist for this year’s Loyalty360 Awards at Loyalty360’s 2024 Loyalty Expo, taking home the Bronze Award in the Technology and Trends category for its innovation in engaging technology-adverse customers through in-store kiosks.   

Mark Johnson, CEO of Loyalty360, spoke with Per Jensen, Head of Loyalty at Stop & Shop, about the reason behind implementing the kiosks, improving personalization, and securing program support from organizational leadership. 

Watch the full interview here: https://youtu.be/4TtR5WL1qIw
Read the feature on Loyalty360 here: https://loyalty360.org/content-gallery/in-depth-exclusives/stop-shop-increasing-customer-engagement-by-leveraging-in-store-technology

Wunderkind works alongside clients using an AI-driven performance marketing solution, helping them form stronger brand-audience connections through identification resolution and hyper-personalized triggered messaging. The Wunderkind Identity Network identifies anonymous website traffic through a network that recognizes 9 billion devices, enabling clients to recognize anonymous users, gather first-party data, and make targeted offers across email, text, and ads.  

The company connects with any industry with ties to retail or that has direct-to-consumer revenue channels. Wunderkind is mostly active in apparel and fashion spaces, as well as beauty, luxury goods, and electronics. It is also fairly experienced in travel, hospitality, and even event ticketing verticals. 

Loyalty360 spoke with Tim Glomb, VP of Digital, Content, and AI at Wunderkind, about leveraging AI, data collection and maintenance, and offering an intelligence layer to help brands better understand their customers.

With more than 20 locations in the U.S., Great Wolf Lodge is a popular chain of hotels featuring water parks and attractions that engage guests with a diverse set of lodging and dining options. Daily events are designed to entice families seeking a fun getaway and water park enthusiasts alike. Great Wolf’s Voyagers Club program provides members with special deals to encourage them to book their next visit. 

Dave Van Saun is the Vice President of CRM and Ancillary for Great Wolf Lodge. In his role with the brand, he spends much of his time on the ancillary side of the business—which is everything guests can do at Great Wolf outside of booking the room. Van Saun works with pricing, packaging, and promotion of all the brand’s food and beverages, retail, and attractions alongside Great Wolf’s line of business leaders. 

On the CRM side, Van Saun oversees customer communications, and that is where loyalty fits into his purview. Great Wolf launched its loyalty program a couple of years ago, and Van Saun and his team have managed the day-to-day activities supporting Voyagers Club since. 

Mark Johnson, CEO of Loyalty360, spoke with Van Saun about the brand’s loyalty program, forming strategic partnerships to elevate the customer experience, and measuring success.

Watch the full interview here: https://youtu.be/ytKu1PluJU0

Read the feature on Loyalty360 here: https://loyalty360.org/content-gallery/in-depth-exclusives/great-wolf-lodge-making-an-impact-on-the-full-customer-experience-by-evolving-customer-loyalty

Engaged Nation provides a suite of services and solutions designed to captivate, motivate, and drive measurable results. The company’s offerings include interactive web-based incentive programs that align seamlessly with each client’s unique objectives, whether they aim to boost brand visibility, enhance customer lifetime value, or drive incremental revenue. Powered by the REACH™ Digital Ecosystem of technology, Engaged Nation offers a platform to create engaging and personalized experiences. 

Engaged Nation works closely with brands across various industries—C-store, CPGs, financial services, restaurants/QSR, travel/hospitality, and many more—to help them drive engagement, boost revenue, and build lasting customer loyalty. Engaged Nation tailors solutions to meet the unique needs of clients based on their customers and industry, with the goal of helping them stand out in a crowded digital marketplace. 

 Mark Johnson, CEO of Loyalty360, spoke with Daniel Wood, Chief Customer Success Officer at Engaged Nation, about the company’s REACHTM platform, keeping customers engaged, and leveraging technology to understand individual customer preferences or behaviors. 

In his new book, BIONIC RETAIL: HOW TO THRIVE IN AN EXPONENTIAL WORLD, author Gary Hawkins discusses how the pace of change outside organizations is accelerating faster than within, creating a growing gap between what once made retail successful and what will be required in the future. There is often a disconnect between shopper expectations and the traditional store, and retail brands must pivot and adapt to remain relevant and achieve success.  

Hawkins grew up in grocery retail, and his family once owned stores in the wholesale business in Upstate New York. It was in one of those stores, nearly 30 years ago, where Hawkins launched one of the first loyalty programs in the U.S. supermarket retail sector. The program served as a leader in the industry, providing much learning around customer data, shopping behavior, customer-level economics, and more. Eventually, his efforts switched to assisting other prominent retailers in the U.S. and around the world with a focus on capturing, understanding, and using shopper data. From there, Hawkins worked with bigger brands before moving to technological pursuits. 

Mark Johnson, CEO of Loyalty360, spoke with Hawkins about his book, the exponential environment brands operate in today, and how change outside an organization moves more quickly than change on the inside.

Watch the full interview here: https://youtu.be/LEZwEDVw-RE

Read the feature on Loyalty360 here: https://loyalty360.org/content-gallery/in-depth-exclusives/author-gary-hawkins-discusses-his-new-book-and-how-an-evolving-society-impacts-retail-technology

Founded in 2009, vLoyalty is a privately held company headquartered in Dallas, Texas. The company combines the power of payments, card-linking loyalty and promotions, and text messaging to help companies easily enroll, engage, understand, and reward customers to drive repeat visits and sales.  

vLoyalty offers clients a patented cloud-based suite of solutions that meets the needs of small businesses as well as large franchise enterprises. These solutions enable efficient and convenient loyalty program enrollment at the point of purchase. Clients can also take advantage of real-time access to historical purchasing data to optimize point-of-sale (POS) targeted offers and leverage compliant SMS text messaging to engage customers—all with seamless payment integration. 

Loyalty360 spoke with Peter Vogel, Chief Revenue Officer at vLoyalty, about loyalty program automation at the checkout, vLoyalty’s recent quick-service restaurant study, and what’s coming next for the company in 2024.

Baesman Group helps brands solve personalized marketing challenges with a strategic focus on loyalty programs. Their team of customer engagement strategists, made up of former brand-side marketers, specializes in helping their clients truly understand their customers’ buying behaviors and mapping that to their overall loyalty journey. Baesman also offers its own customizable loyalty platform, Intuition, or has the ability to integrate and work with any platform on the market. Baesman believes in evolving loyalty programs so loyalty strategy drives the program, rather than technology limitations that can often exist.

Mark Johnson, CEO of Loyalty360, spoke with Kelsey Crookes, Account Management at Baesman. Crookes is a fourth-generation member of the family-owned company—her great-grandfather started the business in 1952. Kelsey is experienced in deriving strategic insights and customer engagement strategies from data to create a more loyal customer. In this interview, Crookes discusses loyalty program differentiation, leveraging “secret” or “unpublished” tiers, and harnessing customer data to create more personalized communications.

Watch the full interview here.

A&W Restaurants was founded in 1919 as a root beer stand in Lodi, California, to welcome the troops home after World War I. As America’s oldest franchise restaurant chain, today, there are nearly 450 locations across the U.S. and another 450 in Asia spanning four markets.  

The chain is 100% franchisee-owned. The brand ensures franchisees have a voice in company decisions that will affect their businesses, and franchisees are represented by the National A&W Franchisee Association (NAWFA). A&W works collaboratively with franchisees on everything that happens in their restaurants—particularly on brand and marketing initiatives. The brand engages franchisees to ensure that anything new that’s launched—whether it’s products or advertising and marketing programs—is there to support profitable same-store growth as well as new restaurants being established.  

Betsy Schmandt, President and COO of A&W Restaurants, oversees all revenue at A&W Restaurants, driving aspects of the business, operations, training, marketing, innovation, and franchise development, as well as technology and legal. It’s a broad scope, but Schmandt affirms it’s wonderful to be a part of a great American brand with 105 years of experience.  

Mark Johnson, CEO of Loyalty360, spoke with Schmandt about A&W’s new enterprise reporting and analytics solution, connecting with customers on an emotional level, and next generation customer loyalty.

Watch the full interview here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7lQLjA5FJP8

Read the feature on Loyalty360: https://loyalty360.org/content-gallery/in-depth-exclusives/a-w-restaurants-building-customer-loyalty-through-data-driven-insights-and-personalization

Addtowallet.io offers a mobile wallet marketing platform that lets brands create, manage, and distribute digital offers and pass them on to Apple Wallet and Google Pay. Traditional coupons, loyalty cards, gift cards, and event tickets can be made visible and accessible to customers no matter where they are—dynamically updated in real-time and tracked from inception to intent-to-purchase to redemption. 

After the Addtowallet platform was built, the company realized that there were not many marketers active in the digital wallet channel. The company saw an opportunity for marketers and brands to start learning about the technology as the team at Addtowallet believes the digital wallet channel is the next place for marketers to focus.

Mark Johnson, CEO of Loyalty360, spoke with Steven Douglas, Founder and CEO at Addtowallet, about how the wallet channel offers marketers the opportunity to personalize loyalty efforts and how customers’ interactions with coupons in their digital wallets can reveal an intention to buy.

Watch the full interview here: https://www.youtube.com/live/Pf5HRlPoMJ0?si=kOjYh7GZqWdwBozq

Read the article on Loyalty360 here: https://loyalty360.org/content-gallery/daily-news/loyalty-live-addtowallet-on-how-brand-marketers-can-harness-the-power-of-digital-wallets

Founded in 1982 in Minneapolis, MN, Great Clips, Inc. counts more than 4,400 salons in the U.S. and Canada. The brand is 100% franchisee-owned and is the largest salon brand in the world, employing over 28,000 stylists. The brand prides itself on fast and convenient walk-in haircare services and allows online check-in to minimize the time customers spend in the waiting room. 

Just prior to the 2024 Super Bowl, Great Clips and mobility manufacturer Kawasaki partnered in a campaign featuring Kawasaki’s RIDGE® side x side while tapping into the power of a legendary haircut.  

Mark Johnson, CEO of Loyalty360, spoke with Lisa Hake, the Vice President of Marketing and Communications at Great Clips, about the fun promotion with Kawasaki, collecting zero-party data, and building a path to loyalty.

Watch the full interview here: https://youtu.be/er1rcH8OJhs

A part of Xponential Fitness, a large global franchise group of boutique fitness brands across verticals including pilates, barre, cycling, rowing, dance, yoga, and more, Pure Barre is a barre-focused franchise boasting over 600 wellness studios across the U.S. and Canada. Thousands of members of all fitness levels enjoy Pure Barre’s low-impact classes every day in support of strength, cardio, and flexibility goals. A standout in barre and fitness boutiques, Pure Barre ranks in Entrepreneur Magazine’s Franchise 500 List each year.  

Mark Johnson, CEO of Loyalty360, spoke with Caroline Linton, CMO of Pure Barre, about forming strategic partnerships, leveraging the power of fitness challenges to increase engagement, and the brand’s recently launched ClassPointsTM program on the Pure Barre app. 

Watch the full interview here: https://youtu.be/oQh4WCAE_lw

The brainchild of Adam Breeden (All Star Lanes, AceBounce, and Flight Club) and brothers Steven and Dave Jolliffe (Topgolf), Puttshack is a high-tech mini golf concept where technology has been injected into the traditional game to make it even more exciting and fun. The 9-hole mini golf games feature Puttshack’s proprietary TrackaballTM technology, and each game takes approximately 30 minutes, depending on how busy the course is and the number of people playing in the group. While reservations aren’t required, walk-in groups will be served on a first-come, first-serve basis.  

The Puttshack experience is enhanced by food and beverage options, and guests can enjoy bar and restaurant areas when visiting. At present, the brand counts 14 locations in the U.S. and 18 locations worldwide, with more locations under construction. 

Mark Johnson, CEO of Loyalty360, spoke with Susan Walmesley, Chief Marketing Officer and Chief Operating Officer of Puttshack, about the brand’s popular Ace Puttman campaign, the Puttshack Perks program, and leveraging data in support of personalization.

Read the full article on Loyalty360 here: https://loyalty360.org/content-gallery/in-depth-exclusives/puttshack-engaging-and-educating-customers-with-a-whimsical-brand-ambassador

In 1965, a mail-order veterinary supplies business named UPCO was founded in San Diego, California. By 1979, it became Petco, and in 1980, the first Petco store located outside of California opened in Tigard, Oregon. Petco’s significant growth began in the late 1980s after acquiring two pet supply chains, WellPoint and the Pet Department. The purchase not only expanded the footprint of the company but more than tripled the brand’s store number from 40 to 130. In the early 1990s, Petco opened its first East Coast stores, and by 2001, Petco.com was launched. In 2013, the company opened its first Petco stores in Mexico, with one in Mexico City and another one in Guadalajara.  

Today, Petco is a successful pet health and wellness company, reflecting nearly six decades of providing thoughtful customer service to “pet parents” and their beloved pets. The brand has created an environment in which customer loyalty is built through the emotional connections nurtured by in-store employees.     

Mark Johnson, CEO of Loyalty360, spoke with Justin Tichy, Chief Operating Officer for Petco, about growing into a health and wellness company, building emotional loyalty with pet parents, and fostering an environment of engaged employees.  

Capillary Technologies is a managed SaaS solution powering 500+ loyalty programs with its best-in-class loyalty technology platform and expert services. Founded in 2012, Capillary has a strong global presence across the United States, Asia, Europe, and the Middle East, working with 400+ brands like Tata, PUMA, Shell, Petron, Domino’s, Kanmo Group, and Marks & Spencer. The platform’s suite of products—Loyalty+, Engage+, Rewards+, Insights+—are all AI-powered and sit on top of a powerful consumer data platform that has touched more than a billion end customers.

As part of the Loyalty Expo Speaker Preview Series, Loyalty360 interviews presenters who will lead dynamic sessions at this year’s Loyalty Expo in Orlando, Florida, from June 4–6.  

Mark Johnson, CEO of Loyalty360, spoke with Don Smith, Chief Consulting Officer at Capillary, about the upcoming session he will lead in June. The session will address the mechanics of customer loyalty programs and what metrics to tap into when measuring customer loyalty efforts.

Read the article here: https://loyalty360.org/content-gallery/daily-news/capillary-s-2024-loyalty-expo-session-understanding-the-mechanics-of-customer-loyalty-programs-and

Capillary Technologies is a managed SaaS solution powering 500+ loyalty programs with its best-in-class loyalty technology platform and expert services. Founded in 2012, Capillary has a strong global presence across the United States, Asia, Europe, and the Middle East, working with 400+ brands like Tata, PUMA, Shell, Petron, Domino’s, Kanmo Group, and Marks & Spencer. The platform’s suite of products—Loyalty+, Engage+, Rewards+, Insights+—are all AI-powered and sit on top of a powerful consumer data platform that has touched more than a billion end customers.

As part of the Loyalty Expo Speaker Preview Series, Loyalty360 interviews presenters who will lead dynamic sessions at this year’s Loyalty Expo in Orlando, Florida, from June 4–6.  

Mark Johnson, CEO of Loyalty360, spoke with Don Smith, Chief Consulting Officer at Capillary, about the upcoming session he will lead in June. The session will address the mechanics of customer loyalty programs and what metrics to tap into when measuring customer loyalty efforts.

Read the article here:  https://loyalty360.org/content-gallery/daily-news/capillary-s-2024-loyalty-expo-session-understanding-the-mechanics-of-customer-loyalty-programs-and

SheerID is an identity verification company serving commerce brands and working with globally recognized names like Walmart, Target, Nike, T-Mobile, AT&T, Spotify, and YouTube. The SheerID verification platform is built on a foundation of 200K+ authoritative data sources, which power instant consumer verification, establishing whether a person is part of a particular community — e.g., a college student, teacher, member of the military, etc. — or a profession like fitness instructors. 

Retail brands work with SheerID to provide exclusive offers and rewards to select groups — i.e., Target’s back-to-school program designed to engage educators. Brands leverage SheerID’s service to ensure that the people responding to offers and redeeming rewards are truly members of the specific “community” a brand desires to reach. SheerID’s verification engine works in the background and performs a lookup of the customer record to confirm if access to the reward should be granted. 

Today, brands are using SheerID’s solution much more for loyalty use cases to collect valuable first-party data while providing special offers. Mark Johnson, CEO of Loyalty360, spoke with Bill Schneider, VP of Product Marketing at SheerID, about the company’s verification platform, customer data privacy, and how marketing to people based on the communities they identify with is a powerful strategy for driving engagement.  

With a clientele spanning across the U.S. and Canada, nventive specializes in crafting impactful mobile, web applications, and software solutions that increase engagement and enhance the user experience for brands. From strategy to delivery, nventive’s approach seamlessly blends creativity, technology, and strategic thinking. 

The core of nventive’s work involves developing custom web and mobile applications, and within the loyalty sector, the company works frequently with coalition programs. Because those programs tend to be more complex, the integrations are vast, requiring nventive to develop many solutions around that vertical.  

nventive works in other sectors as well — manufacturing (productivity), financial, retail, and more. Working within these distinct industries allows nventive to glean the best practices across trades and apply them to a specific vector. The company also advises clients and works with existing programs to maximize the experience on mobile platforms. 

Mark Johnson, CEO of Loyalty360, spoke with David Hamel, Vice President of Strategy, CX and Design at nventive, about creating a rewarding experience for the customer, the role of micro-interactions in personalization, and leveraging evolving technologies.  

Ansira is an independent, global marketing technology and services company with clients across B2B, B2C, and B2B2C industries that leverage the company’s suite of proprietary technology platforms across website, media, and channel partner marketing. Ansira guides clients operating in distributed ecosystems to connect with their customers, fostering brand loyalty by seamlessly integrating digital and physical experiences from the enterprise level to the hyper-local level. Recommending best-in-class products, Ansira also works with clients to strengthen loyalty efforts. Loyalty, incentives, and rewards all fall within the company’s integrated loyalty practice.  

Mark Johnson, CEO of Loyalty360, spoke with Sukumar Muthya, EVP of Integrated Loyalty at Ansira, about integrated loyalty, how brands can go beyond loyalty mechanics, and ensuring reward complexity is kept to a minimum.

Rodney Strong Vineyards was founded in 1959 when Rodney Strong chose Sonoma County in California as the ideal place to produce some of the best-known wines in the world. Three decades after its founding, Rodney Strong Vineyards’ management shifted to the Klein family, and today, their leadership continues the tradition of developing premium wines while prioritizing sustainability efforts.    

Vineyard location is critical, and land is carefully selected. At present, the brand owns 12 estate vineyards in Sonoma County, and Rodney Strong itself is right in the middle of the Russian River Valley. 

The marketing team at Rodney Strong Vineyards is involved in everything from advertising to strategy to social media, packaging, and brand creation. Marketing also works closely with sales and hospitality. Initiatives not only include luxury events drawing wine lovers to Sonoma but also promotions designed to highlight Rodney Strong’s commitment to sustainability.  

Mark Johnson, CEO of Loyalty360, spoke with Erica Odden, VP of Marketing for Rodney Strong, about the brand’s sustainability sweepstakes, meaningful customer engagement, and creating an environment for emotional loyalty to flourish.

Read the full article on Loyalty360 here: https://loyalty360.org/content-gallery/in-depth-exclusives/rodney-strong-sustainability-efforts-engage-consumers-and-cultivate-emotional-loyalty

From its humble beginnings as a hardware store in a small North Carolina town, Lowe’s grew to become one of the largest home improvement retailers in the world. The company counts nearly 300K associates, encompassing 1,700+ home improvement and outlet stores in the U.S. With more than 16M customer transactions every week, the brand celebrated $86.4B in 2023.

Mark Johnson, CEO of Loyalty360, spoke with Amanda Bailey, VP of Customer Marketing and Loyalty at Lowe’s, about building a tiered approach in the brand’s MyLowe’s Rewards program, applying personalization within customer loyalty, and engaging millennial homeowners.

Read the full article on Loyalty360 here: https://loyalty360.org/content-gallery/in-depth-exclusives/lowe-s-home-improvement-a-tiered-rewards-program-designed-to-engage-diyers-and-attract-millennials

As brand marketers seek to comprehensively understand and use the customer data they’ve collected, one of the first considerations centers on integrating a customer data platform (CDP) into their martech stack or better leveraging the one already in place. While a CDP houses disparate data gathered by various technologies used in an organization, unless a clear process of persona-building, establishing customer journeys, and purpose-led engagement is prioritized, brands can fall into a pattern of trying to engage customers solely through transactional loyalty efforts — which might leave them left behind in a competitive marketplace. 

TCS Digital Software & Solutions offers software solutions that activate artificial intelligence (AI) across various industries, domains of customer engagement/experience, sustainability, and smart enterprises. TCS Customer Intelligence & Insights™ (CI&I) for retail is an integrated software solution that combines intelligent loyalty, real-time customer data platforms (CDPs), and AI-driven customer analytics. 

Mark Johnson, CEO of Loyalty360, spoke with Suman Mahalanabis, Head of Product Management, TCS Digital Software & Solutions, and Padmashwini Raghunathan, Product Manager, TCS Customer Intelligence & Insights™ for retail and Loyalty Management, Digital Software & Solutions. The three discussed how a CDP supports a brand’s customer loyalty efforts, customer data privacy and responsible AI, and key personalization initiatives. 

Read the full article on Loyalty360 here:

The Coca-Cola Company’s global initiative, the ‘Best Coke Ever?’ debate, is using artificial intelligence (AI) to create a truly unique experience for consumers and Coca-Cola fans. One of the key elements in the campaign includes allowing Coke Zero Sugar to “speak for itself” to engage consumers through visual and auditory experiences. Partnerships with social media influencers and leveraging platforms like TikTok are additional components in the global icon’s efforts to increase brand love and attract the next generation of Coca-Cola fans.  

In this podcast, Mark Johnson, CEO of Loyalty360, spoke with Oana Vlad, Senior Director of Global Strategy for The Coca-Cola Company, about the brand’s global initiative — the ‘Best Coke Ever?’ debate, leveraging AI as a vehicle to create unique consumer experiences, and measuring success in a campaign with many components. 

See also: Coca-Cola Launches AI-Powered Holiday Cards 

As today’s brands continue to seek ways to improve their customer loyalty programs, marketers and loyalty professionals are challenged to provide enhanced experiences and authentic personalization that can lead to greater brand affinity. Emotional loyalty is not built overnight; brands must commit to knowing their customers and preferences, leveraging the knowledge in the right way at the right time. This can be accomplished through customer data insights prioritizing personalization.      

Ernst & Young (EY) operates in over 150 countries, working through four integrated service lines — Assurance, Consulting, Strategy and Transactions, and Tax. The organization offers loyalty program services, partnering with brands so that they can cultivate deeper emotional connections with customers. EY’s loyalty programs are designed to enhance customer retention and engagement, increase sales and encourage frequency, facilitate heightened brand awareness and referrals, and provide greater insights into customer data.  

EY’s research concluded that 87% of consumers are at least somewhat comfortable sharing data. However, when EY surveyed corporate decision makers that have control over loyalty budgets and programming, personalization and data management capture were lower priorities for investment among companies. EY reports less than half — around 42% — said that they were focused on personalization and customized touch points. 

In this podcast, Mark Johnson, CEO of Loyalty360, spoke with Patricia Camden and Michael Anders, Loyalty Leaders for EY, about the state of customer loyalty, why personalization is the number one thing brands must focus on today, and how traditional loyalty programs focused on frequency and volume are giving away to more nuanced approaches that consider a customer’s entire relationship with the brand.

The first Melting Pot restaurant, established in 1975 by businessmen Bruce Knoechel and Roy Nelson in Maitland, FL, offered a simple menu of only three items — Swiss cheese fondue, beef fondue, and a chocolate fondue dessert. In 1979, with the support of two siblings, Melting Pot employee Mark Johnston opened another location in Tallahassee, followed by a third restaurant in Tampa in 1981. In 1985, brothers Mark, Mike, and Bob Johnston purchased all rights to the Melting Pot brand from the original owners.  

Now a chain of franchised fondue restaurants, Melting Pot counts close to 90 locations across the U.S. and one Melting Pot restaurant in Canada.   

In this podcast, Mark Johnson, CEO of Loyalty360, spoke with Ana Malmqvist, CMO for Front Buner Brands, about the importance of personalization in a customer loyalty program, leveraging data from multiple integrated technologies to better understand customer data, and focusing on innovation to create an enhanced customer experience. 

See also: Restaurant Brands Elevate the Customer Experience by Offering At-home Meal Kits 

 --  

Quick-fire Questions: 

What is your favorite word? 
 Energy. 

 What is your least favorite word? 
 Leverage.  

 What excites you? 
 Growth.  

 What do you find tiresome? 
 Process. 

 What is your favorite fondue? 
 Alpine. 

 What profession other than your own would you like to attempt? 
 Diplomat. 

 Who inspired you to become the person you are today? 
 My mother. 

 What is your favorite book recommendation to make to colleagues? 
 The Da Vinci Code. 

 How do you want to be remembered by your friends and family? 
 Present.  

In 1963, Consumer Value Stores was founded in Lowell, MA, providing customers with health and beauty products. The company name changed to CVS by the end of its first year in business, and by 1967, pharmacies began to appear within its stores. The brand focused on healthcare, and huge growth followed through multiple acquisitions and the establishment of new locations. 

In the early 2000s, CVS Pharmacy launched ExtraCare®, its first loyalty program, and experienced much success in the loyalty space. By 2018, the brand acquired Aetna, and this development supercharged and accelerated CVS’ goal of helping customers with health and wellness goals. CarePass® — the brand’s premium program — was launched in 2019, driving loyalty efforts and creating more convenience for shoppers, and in December 2023, the brand scaled same-day delivery nationwide. 

Mark Johnson, CEO of Loyalty360, spoke with Zach Dennett, Vice President of Loyalty, Omnichannel and Hispanic Formats, CVS Health, about the brand’s premium customer loyalty program tier, customers engaging with the brand digitally before shopping in-store, and how the customer experience should be personalized, but not overtly obvious.

Read the full article on Loyalty360 here: https://loyalty360.org/content-gallery/in-depth-exclusives/cvs-pharmacy-evolving-customer-loyalty-programs-and-creating-a-more-convenient-customer-experience

Mark Johnson, CEO of Loyalty360, spoke with Mladen Vladic, General Manager, FIS Loyalty Engagement Solutions, about looking at the holistic enterprise value of the consumer, the value in looking inside the organization to determine friction at touchpoints, and the challenges and opportunities in customer loyalty in the year ahead.

Customer expectations continue to evolve, and when considering a purchase — a big ticket item or even a smaller one — they often look for flexibility in payment options. Merchants and retailers operate in an increasingly competitive space, seeking to create a better customer experience to win greater loyalty and frequency while also increasing sales. The customer/merchant relationship does not have to be one of opposition. There are solutions that can benefit both.    

The Connected Commerce and Strategic Growth division of Citi Retail Services is designed to reimagine point-of-sale (POS) lending. The team conceptualizes how finance products can be integrated with merchants’ POS systems and how to make it easier for merchants to connect with Citi. The information is leveraged when building products and merchant connection points, enabling customers to access relevant lending products when checking out or buying merchandise. 

Indeed, Citi’s research revealed that both consumers and merchants are looking for multiple payment options at the checkout. In fact, 90% of surveyed consumers agreed that retailers need to offer various payment options at the POS. Designed for consumers and retailers, Citi Pay® products help consumers understand the monthly cost of a product. Instead of focusing on the total transaction amount, they can assess purchases based on the associated monthly payments. This process helps consumers determine how the product or the purchase best fits into their budget. 

In this podcast, Mark Johnson, CEO of Loyalty360, spoke with Terry O’Neil, Head of Connected Commerce and Strategic Growth for Citi Retail Services, about the future of POS lending, the strategic partnerships Citi’s formed to enable Citi Pay®, and how merchants shouldn’t underestimate the power of an embedded payment product in building customer loyalty. 

Mark Johnson, CEO of Loyalty360, spoke with Bob Holtcamp, President and CMO at Bob Evans, about leveraging a new AI-driven loyalty-and-offer solution, merging marketing and IT leadership, and making customers feel recognized and important. 

Mark Johnson, CEO of Loyalty360, spoke with Kim Welther, Vice President, CRM & Loyalty for Baesman, about the challenges and opportunities in the year ahead, including defining and measuring success, metrics to consider, and what it takes to stand out in a crowd. 

Mark Johnson, CEO of Loyalty360, spoke with Laura Miller, SVP of Strategic Services, and Martha Cohen, Vice President, Client Services at Kobie, about leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) to reduce pain points, breaking down organizational silos to build better programs, and challenges in customer loyalty.  

Mark Johnson, CEO of Loyalty360, spoke with Jill Moser, SVP of Global Offers at Mastercard, about what will impact loyalty in 2024, how brands should approach building relationships, and why offering customers choice is imperative to remain competitive in the loyalty space.

Hooters is a globally iconic, image-based, casual dining restaurant brand founded in 1983 in Clearwater, FL. The company consists of nearly 370 stores in total, which include domestic and international franchisees. The brand’s footprint counts 42 states in the U.S. and 29 countries and endeavors to serve great food in a fun environment.  

Hooters’ tagline is Hooters Makes You Happy — and that’s the brand’s goal. Hooters wants to give its customers a break from the everyday routine and offers an escape featuring cold beer, chicken wings, and the legendary Hooters Girls, who deliver memorable customer experiences in a fun and engaging way.  

Mark Johnson, CEO of Loyalty360, spoke with Bruce Skala, Chief Marketing Officer (CMO), HOA Brands, about how the responsibilities of the CMO have changed, successful partnerships with sports figures, and leveraging social media influencers to drive sales.  

Mark Johnson, CEO of Loyalty360, spoke with Don Smith, EVP, Chief Consulting Officer at Brierley, about defining and measuring success, trends Brierley notes for 2024, and what generative AI means for brands. 

Mark Johnson, CEO of Loyalty360, spoke with Tom Madden, Executive Vice President, and Katie Berndt, Vice President, at Phaedon, about expected trends in 2024, challenges and opportunities for brands, and how listening to customers will determine loyalty program success.

In today’s commercial landscape, fostering customer loyalty requires more than discounts and rewards. Brands must also deliver personalized experiences to engage and delight customers along their journey. Xoxoday empowers brands to meet this challenge with software solutions that promote loyalty by enhancing the customer experience.

Loyalty360 spoke with Xoxoday Co-Founder Manoj Agarwal about how experiences affect customer loyalty, the importance of personalization, and creating customer-centric loyalty experiences.

In the journey from that first retail flower shop founded in Manhattan by Jim McCann in 1976 to the gift-giving resource giant known as 1-800-FLOWERS.COM, Inc., the trajectory of the company has been one of growth. From that first location and over the next ten years, McCann went on to open 13 more stores. In 1986, the company secured the toll-free phone number 1-800-Flowers and adopted it as its name. An exciting opportunity to become the first merchant provider to appear on AOL opened up in 1994. The company’s own website went live in 1995, and in 1999, the company was renamed 1-800-FLOWERS.COM, Inc. in conjunction with its IPO.

The 2000s were one of expansion as the company began to offer more products. Multiple digital and voice platforms were developed in the 2010s, giving customers more ways to shop. Today, gift-givers are presented with a broad variety of choices as 1-800-FLOWERS.COM, Inc. offers products through more than a dozen different brands encompassing gourmet food, personalized products, and, of course, bouquets of flowers. With such a wide selection of offerings, the company can serve a diverse customer base that seeks to celebrate important moments, give messages of comfort in difficult times, and improve relationships with friends and family members through the act of sending a meaningful gift.

Mark Johnson, CEO of Loyalty360, spoke with Jason John, CMO at 1-800-FLOWERS.COM, Inc., about the brand’s Celebrations Passport loyalty program, how communications reflect enterprise values at the brand level, and how the company’s focus on helping customers develop better relationships builds better loyalty.

Read the full article on Loyalty360 here: https://loyalty360.org/content-gallery/in-depth-exclusives/1-800-flowers-helping-customers-build-meaningful-relationships-builds-better-customer-loyalty

Mark Johnson, CEO of Loyalty360, spoke with Sam Panzer, Director of Industry Strategy at Talon.One, about the 2024 trends in customer loyalty and some of the opportunities he sees within his organization from the brand side.

Bojangles is a Carolina-born restaurant brand specializing in Southern food like hand-breaded fried chicken and made-from-scratch biscuits. Founded in 1977 in Charlotte, N.C., by Jack Fulk and Richard Thomas, the brand now operates over 800 restaurants in the Southeast. Deeply influenced by “Southern hospitality,” Bojangles draws guests back to its restaurants with friendly crews focused on making the experience memorable for customers.   
Bojangles is poised to begin an aggressive expansion across Florida, Texas, Nevada, and Ohio. The fast-food brand is on a mission to deliver a “taste of the South” to the rest of the country. 

Mark Johnson, CEO of Loyalty360, spoke with Sergio Perez, Sr. Director of Omnichannel Initiatives at Bojangles, about building the Bojangles Reward program, forming partnerships that leverage customer affinity, and driving personalization by knowing what resonates best with customers.  

From the inception of railroads in the U.S., commercial freight railroads operated private passenger service. However, by the 1960s, travel by air and interstate highways dominated, and it was no longer profitable to operate passenger railroads.

As a result, private railroads in the U.S. were not doing well. Passenger service was one of many headwinds they had in the business, and they were essentially looking to end it. The federal government did not want to see a wholesale failure of the railroads in the country and decided to develop a solution: Amtrak.

Amtrak, founded in 1971, is a private company, but the sole shareholder is the United States Federal Government. In some regard, there is a public side to the brand. Amtrak assumed all the passenger lines managed by the different railroads throughout the country. Since then, the company has grown — cutting some lines while adding others and revitalizing the fleet.

Today, Amtrak has observed historic interest and levels of investment in passenger rail as a low-energy, sustainable way to travel. This recognition points to passenger rail as having a role to play in the future of travel in the U.S. Over the next 10 years, the company plans to move its services into new markets while improving service in existing ones.

Mark Johnson, CEO of Loyalty360, spoke with Adam Levin-Epstein, Director, Amtrak Guest Rewards, and Ross Nizlek, Director, CRM Operations & Strategy at Amtrak, about Amtrak’s Guest Rewards program, using customer loyalty data to determine program enhancements, and the brand’s commitment to “proactive service recovery.”

Founded in 1957 in Salisbury, N.C., Food Lion has spent over six decades delivering fresh and affordable products to its customers. With over 82,000 Food Lion associates serving more than 10M customers each week, the brand’s 1,108 store locations span a 10-state operating footprint in the Southeast and Mid-Atlantic regions of the U.S.  

A part of the Ahold Delhaize USA family of brands and supported by partners at Peapod Digital Labs, Food Lion prioritizes listening to customers in order to deliver fully on its brand strategy while celebrating its “Count On Me” company culture. All efforts are designed to improve Food Lion customers’ emotional connection to the brand. 

The company also places an emphasis on serving local towns and cities through Food Lion Feeds and its partnerships with community food banks, working to alleviate hunger as part of the brand’s commitment to corporate social responsibility efforts. The brand’s current goal is to provide 1.5B meals to individuals and families experiencing hunger by the end of 2025. 

Mark Johnson, CEO of Loyalty360, spoke with Neil Norman, Director of Loyalty & CPG Marketing Partnerships at Food Lion, about its dynamic MVP Program, the brand’s “Count On Me” culture, and keeping efforts focused on the customer experience.

Originally established in 2015 to provide soccer fans with a way to stream matches, today, Fubo is a direct-to-consumer live TV streaming service enjoyed by 1.48M paid subscribers in North America. Growing through strategic acquisitions, the service has expanded its scope of programming to encompass additional sports, news, and entertainment content, operating in the U.S., Canada, and Spain, as well as in France as Molotov. While the company still sees itself as a sports-first service, a wide portfolio of content has been designed to keep consumers engaged.

Fubo completed its initial public offering as a New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) Company in October 2020. In fall 2023, Fubo announced a partnership with TiiCKER, a software platform that engages, verifies, and rewards retail shareholders.

Mark Johnson, CEO of Loyalty360, spoke with Alison Sternberg, SVP, Investor Relations at Fubo, about building brand love, rewarding platform users and investors, and the Share Perks program created through a partnership formed with TiiCKER.

Read the article here: https://loyalty360.org/content-gallery/in-depth-exclusives/fubo-building-brand-love-by-rewarding-consumers-and-investors

Discover the future of grocery shopping with Vince Torelli, the customer strategy maestro at Duhumbi, as we unravel the secrets behind what really drives your choice of where to buy your groceries. Vince, with his rich blend of international experience and genuine zest for food and strategy, brings us an insider's look at how Duhumbi weaves personalization and customer loyalty into the very fabric of their retail solutions. We dig into the pivotal role of customer data, and how it's shaping grocery shopping experiences to cater to individual needs, from your budget considerations to your taste for local flavors.

Join our heartfelt journey that goes beyond the aisles and checkout lines, touching upon the ethos of gratitude that guides my life, influenced by my family's Italian heritage. Vince shares his personal narrative too, contributing to our rich tapestry of insights. We cover everything from HEB's community-focused strategies to Amazon's digital personalization prowess, illustrating how building a genuine connection with customers can lead to unwavering loyalty. Whether you're in the retail industry, a foodie, or just curious about the evolution of shopping, this episode is packed with industry expertise and personal stories that will enrich your understanding of the power of personalization in retail.

Loyalty360 interviews Sam Panzer, Talon.One, to discuss the trends in customer loyalty and customer experience, and the changing industry landscape.

Partners Fred DeLuca and Dr. Peter Buck opened Pete’s Super Submarines in Bridgeport, Connecticut, in 1965 after 17-year-old DeLuca asked the nuclear physicist (Buck) for advice on paying college tuition. With a $1,000 investment from Buck, the two were poised to change the quick service restaurant (QSR) landscape with fresh and affordable made-to-order sandwiches. In 1968, the Subway® name was used for the first time. 

By 1974, the two operated 16 shops in Connecticut. Franchising followed, and today, Subway is one of the world’s largest restaurant brands, with locations in more than 100 countries and over 37,000 restaurants.  

Mark Johnson, CEO of Loyalty360, spoke with Mike Kappitt, Chief Operating and Insights Officer at Subway, about the new Subway MVP Rewards program, employee engagement and training, and inspiring guests to demonstrate their extreme love for Subway through exciting initiatives. 

For brands with loyalty programs, customer interaction is an integral part of the total customer experience. Brands benefit when their programs are easy to join, and customers can effortlessly earn and use rewards. 

vPromos works with clients to minimize barriers to program participation by simplifying the loyalty experience for brands and their customers. Loyalty360 spoke with Peter Vogel, Chief Revenue Officer at vPromos, about how payment terminal technology can improve program performance, facilitate customer communications, and open the door to innovation.

Dan Evins founded Cracker Barrel Old Country Store® in 1969 in Lebanon, Tennessee. Over the next 50 years, Cracker Barrel evolved into a restaurant with a popular retail store and has taken the brand into the digital space with its online store. 

Within the brand’s “old general store,” customers can purchase everything from apparel to candles to vintage candy to music. Around the holidays, the store is decorated with trees, and a Christmas theme fills the aisles, from stocking stuffers to thoughtful gifts. The welcoming atmosphere extends into the restaurant. Guests dining at Cracker Barrel find familiar Southern favorites on the menu. The fireplace is likely to be lit, a checkerboard awaits, and families can enjoy the brand’s famous Peg game — a triangle block is located on every table. Cracker Barrel endeavors to offer a unique customer experience from the moment guests cross the front porch and enter the building.  

Mark Johnson, CEO of Loyalty360, spoke with Amy Barnett, Vice President of Marketing, Loyalty, and Digital Experience at Cracker Barrel, about collecting valuable input from employees and field operations, rolling out the new Cracker Barrel Rewards program, and partnering with an American music legend.

Hooters, founded in Clearwater, FL, in 1983, is now one of the largest employers of women in the service industry. With 198 corporate stores and approximately 370 stores in total, including domestic and international franchisees, and a footprint encompassing 42 U.S. states and 29 countries, the brand is celebrating 40 years of delivering memorable guest experiences. 

The I AM initiative recognizes the women who have “worn the orange shorts” — the Hooters Girls — and empowers employees through educational initiatives and tuition reimbursement. The brand boasts a 70% female demographic within the organization and supports employees as they develop the competencies and skills to build successful careers. 

Mark Johnson, CEO of Loyalty360, spoke with Cheryl Kish, Chief People Officer at Hooters, about collecting valuable employee feedback to drive successful training programs, the I AM initiative, and the brand’s HootClub Rewards program.

Read the full interview on Loyalty360 here: https://loyalty360.org/content-gallery/in-depth-exclusives/hooters-creating-a-culture-of-empowered-employees-and-elevating-the-customer-experience

Preferred Hotels & Resorts is a portfolio of independent hotels worldwide that offers travelers a wide selection of luxury stays with a focus on leisure. Guests can choose from a handful of distinctive collections to create the aspirational trip of their dreams, including locations that focus on sustainability or even deliver a touch of history. 

Preferred Hotel Group, the parent company of Preferred Hotels & Resorts, rebranded in early 2023 to Preferred Travel Group. Today, the I Prefer Hotel Rewards loyalty program counts over 4.5 million enrolled travelers globally.

Mark Johnson, CEO of Loyalty360, spoke with Lori Strasberg, Senior Vice President of Marketing for Preferred Hotels & Resorts, about its loyalty program, strategic partnerships, and how AI might drive changes in how people research and plan travel.

Publix was founded in 1930 in Winter Haven, FL, by George W. Jenkins and is one of the 10 largest-volume supermarket chains in the country. The brand’s retail sales reached $54.5B in 2022, and Publix is expanding into new markets, with stores opening in Kentucky and enlarging the supermarket’s footprint to eight states.  

Employee-owned, the company is both customer- and associate-centric. A commitment to caring for and serving the communities in which stores are located is demonstrated through the brand’s focus on corporate social responsibility (CSR). This year, Publix donated $10M to charities dedicated to alleviating hunger. 

Mark Johnson, CEO of Loyalty360, spoke with Maria Brous, Director of Communications at Publix, about the Club Publix customer loyalty program, customizing the shopping experience through personalization, and the brand’s goal to always evolve.  

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has become a topic of conversation for marketers this year. With its ability to enhance personalization, tailor rewards, and make product recommendations, the technology has wide implications for customer loyalty. Even so, many marketers are struggling to wrap their heads around AI — how to define it, what it means for their brand, and the best way to implement platforms that leverage AI.

Loyalty360 CEO Mark Johnson recently spoke with Andy O’Dell, Co-Founder and Chief Strategy Officer at Clutch, about the current role of AI in customer loyalty, potential uses of AI going forward, and how brands can implement the technology to reimagine the customer experience.

For marketers and customer loyalty professionals, creating authentic emotional connections between the brand and consumers is vital to success in today’s competitive marketplace. Consumers are seeking more value beyond the transaction, and if they don’t find it with one brand, they’ll swiftly switch to another.  

Doug Zarkin is the Chief Brand Officer at Good Feet Worldwide and is an experienced marketing leader with a background spanning from advertising to fashion and beauty and now to health and wellness. His new book, MOVING YOUR BRAND OUT OF THE FRIEND ZONE, comes at a critical point for those immersed in the customer loyalty industry. Zarkin describes how brands stuck in “the friend zone” may be perceived by customers, what their value proposition should be, and how they may be able to reinvent themselves.     

Mark Johnson, CEO of Loyalty360, spoke with Doug Zarkin about The Brand Value Equation, the Art of Sacrifice, and “thinking human.”  

Data leads the way in modern marketing, serving as the foundation for informed decisions at every turn. Today's customer loyalty strategies rely on an intricate network of gathered and analyzed data points. These insights are then harnessed to craft personalized communications, offers, rewards, and experiences for a brand’s loyal customers.

The science of data is a passion of Michael Snyder, Senior Solution Consultant for Loyalty and Experience at Comarch. Loyalty360 recently had the opportunity to sit down with Snyder and gain insights into how Comarch is embracing data-driven customer loyalty techniques to create meaningful customer interactions and generate measurable results for clients.