Amidst unprecedented changes in consumer behaviour as a result of the covid pandemic, Pret a Manger has become the first major UK brand to launch a subscription programme for coffee customers.  It's "YourPret Barista" programme is an impressive strategy designed to tempt customers in to new behaviours by subscribing to a monthly package of unlimited coffee.  Listen to this episode to hear the strategic thinking driving this concept - another example of the power of subscription programmes...

This audio article introduces the exciting loyalty programme for sushi lovers in Norway.  Sabrura Sushi has created a community of loyal customers it calls "goldfish". Its programme includes an app to support eCommerce orders and allow the brand to connect with members digitally through an automated communications cycle. In more recent times, their loyalty app has also allowed them to capture “track and trace” details for customers, required for Norwegian restaurants amidst the Covid...

MOL Group is a leading international integrated oil company in Central Eastern Europe, with nearly 2,000 retail fuel stations in thirty countries. It's also the region’s largest coffee retailer and is laser focused on the digital transformation of its business, launching innovative programmes including the INA Loyalty programme launched in Croatia in 2020. Listen to learn how this programme has created a points-based concept as its award currency, yet has a rewards strategy based on free...

Yuu Rewards is an innovative coalition loyalty programme launched in Hong Kong in July 2020.  This audio article describes how the programme works and why it's proving so popular, ranging from its extraordinary range of stores through to the cheesy yet charming TV campaign which has delighted consumers.  Yuu Rewards is a truly digital loyalty programme, awarding points in real time to exceed expectations of digitally-savvy Chinese consumers. Enjoy this episode of our live loyalty podcast...

Loyalty programmes are evolving dramatically as members increasingly prefer to engage with brands with a purpose and are not just focused on profit.  This article discusses one way that un-spent loyalty points can be used to make donations to any one of 20,000 charities in the UK, creating emotional loyalty - not just transactional loyalty. Listen as we discuss key learnings on how "empowering generosity" can drive your programme's engagement.  Show Notes: 1) Live Loyalty article -...

Nespresso was first created by Nestle as a coffee brand for hotels and restaurants, and it nearly failed.  It quickly pivoted to focus on coffee-loving consumers and its popularity exploded, becoming one of the world's most iconic, premium brands. This article discusses Nespresso's secrets to success, from its charismatic brand ambassador George Clooney, to its exclusive community "Le Club", and more recently, its adoption of a subscription model in key markets such as the UK as well as...

As one of the most exciting concepts emerging in convenience retail, subscription programs offer retailers the potential to drive even greater loyalty with consumers.  Racetrac Rewards is one of the first gas stations to launch this business/loyalty model for its fuel business - an exciting and clever strategy that offers customers a clear value proposition, as well as driving compelling benefits for the business.  Listen to this live loyalty article to learn all about Racetrac's VIP...

Circle K is one of the world's most respected retail brands, operating gas stations, convenience stores and also the world's largest car wash network with over 2,750 locations across Europe and North America. This podcast discusses Circle K's latest innovation in their car wash category and showcases the power of their car wash subscription program to drive both margin and volume.  The case study highlights the strategic insights that led to Circle K becoming one of the first car wash...

This live loyalty article discusses an innovative concept for many convenience retailers - the opportunity to sell in bulk to corporate customers.  It showcases how the leading Swedish retailer Pressbyrån recognised the potential of our digital coupon shop to sell products as "everyday rewards"  to bulk buyers such as loyalty programme managers and HR Managers.  This concept offers a radically new and untapped commercial opportunity that also drives brand awareness and footfall from an...

In this week's episode of the Liquid Barcodes Live Loyalty podcast, we discuss the simple yet compelling loyalty strategies being leveraged by Krispy Kreme - a brand that is positioning itself as the "most loved sweet treat brand in the world". We discuss how they're addressing the challenges of Covid 19 with some innovative campaigns, as well as the case study of their 2018 launch in Ireland, still their most profitable store worldwide. Key insights include the power and impact of their...

As the world's most valuable brand, Amazon is the giant of online retail, particularly in sectors such as books and electronics. It's less well known for its "subscribe and save" proposition which is a grocery delivery service that has flourished in 2020 largely due to changing consumer behaviour during the global pandemic.  With hundreds of thousands of everyday household products to choose from, Amazon's Subscribe and Save solution has in fact suffered from mixed reviews, with its pricing...

Voted the world's happiest country, Finland is a Nordic country famed for its beauty, architecture and an exceptional education system.  As the convenience retail market leader in Finland, R-kioski boasts over 500 convenience stores and has recently celebrated another milestone with over 150,000 members now signed up to its digital loyalty programme.  Listen to this episode of Liquid Barcodes Live Loyalty podcast to hear about the growth and evolution of R-kioski's journey from cardboard...

Lidl is an extraordinarily successful brand within the European grocery market, with a core promise to simplify supermarket shopping and share the savings with its customers.  Its concept has proven hugely popular with customers, and Lidl is now the cheapest supermarket chain in the UK and boasts over 11,000 stores in 32 countries.  Having recently launched its "Lidl Plus" loyalty programme in the UK, Germany and Ireland, it is now leveraging the power of instant gratification, gamification...

This audio article discusses the launch, USP's and positioning of Walmart Plus versus Amazon Prime.  Despite launching a full fifteen years after Amazon Prime, the two giant brands offer customers incredibly similar benefits, focused mainly on unlimited delivery of online grocery orders.  With over 5,000 Walmart stores throughout North America, Walmart claims to offer unprecedented value and the "ultimate life hack" for US consumers.  Listen to the article to understand the key differences...

In this week's live loyalty podcast, Liquid Barcodes brings you an interview from our partner podcast featuring Pavel Los, the Global Loyalty Programme Manager for Shell.  Pavel manages fuel and convenience loyalty programmes for Shell operations in twenty-one countries worldwide. The world-leading retailer recently won three awards at the Loyalty Magazine Awards, so in this interview, we discuss Shell's new UK loyalty programme which evolved from a pure fuel programme to a comprehensive...

This live loyalty article discusses the devastating financial revelations from Luckin' Coffee - the high profile Chinese coffee company that was once valued at over a billion dollars, but was in fact defrauding investors. The firm had overstated its revenues to the tune of over £300 million. Boasting over 4,500 stores and serving over 9 million monthly visitors in China by January 2020, Luckin' Coffee's two-year meteoric rise was the result of aggressive marketing tactics. This audio article...

Billed as “the best deal in the history of shopping”, Amazon Prime is one of the world’s most popular subscription services and offers a powerful example how Amazon earns customer loyalty by first being loyal TO its users. Amazon Prime is truly a compelling product commanding fees of over $18 billion, so we outline some of its fascinating key principles for subscription success, including the key insight that members of Prime spend 4.6 times what non-members spend. Listen to this episode of...

With over 2 billion users on its messaging platform, there's no doubt that What'sapp is the most powerful communication tool in the world.  Already dominating customer conversations, this article discusses the platform's latest surge in popularity and some of the innovative ways that commercial brands and other services such as the World Health Organisation are leveraging the scale and simplicity of the platform to support their customers.  We discusses examples of the platform being used...

Panera Bread has become an increasingly popular bakery and coffee chain with US consumers, leveraging the power of the subscription model to ensure their customers can enjoy their daily treat guilt-free. This audio article discusses our favourite features within this "disruptive" concept that is driving extra-ordinary growth for this business and it's loyalty programme which boasts over 38 million members.  Listen to today's episode of the "Live Loyalty Podcast" to learn how this...

Walgreens is one of the best known retailers in the United States, boasting in excess of 8 million customers per day and over ninety million members in its loyalty program - Balance Rewards.  This audio article highlights some of their key loyalty principles which they have essential for success in our "non-online" world. From exceptional customer experiences, through to personalised communications and rewards, we discuss their latest innovations and the extraordinary value created when...

Mealpal is an innovative food-tech company, leveraging the power of the subscription model to match hungry office workers with tasty, yet affordable restaurants nearby.  Founded by the same entrepreneur who created the iconic Classpass concept, Mary Biggins created a platform that focuses on simplicity for merchant, and personalisation for diners, creating a compelling meal service that saves both time and cost at lunchtime.  Listen to this week's episode of the live loyalty podcast to hear...

Joe & the Juice is a Danish coffee and juice store chain, operating for almost twenty years across three hundred stores in sixteen countries, yet the company has managed to maintain the original eccentric and edgy brand created by its founder.  This live loyalty article showcases the unique approach that Joe & the Juice use to find fun, friendly and entertaining staff to embody their brand identity, supported by an equally unique and fun approach to loyalty. We also discuss some of...

With so many companies launching subscription programmes across all industries, convenience retailers are also finding new ways to delight customers and satisfy their everyday needs.    In this audio article, we explore the underlying human needs that are creating such extraordinary growth for subscription services, as well as the key principles needed to deliver a compelling subscription concept for customers.  Listen to this episode of the Liquid Barcodes Live Loyalty podcast to learn the...

Alfred Peet, the founder of Peet's Coffee, is renowned as the man who taught the world to drink coffee having introduced the concept of gourmet coffee to the US in 1966.  Peet was both the predecessor and a mentor for Starbucks, yet with a truly extra-ordinary IPO earlier this summer, this brand is emerging as a powerful player with ambitions to become the world leader once again. The company is already worth over $17 billion, and its listing proved to be one of the few highlights for retail...