The Amazon Prime program began with the offer of free two-day shipping, but it has expanded to include a wide assortment of other rewards, such as discounts on streaming services and grocery deliveries, Prime Day special offers, and surprise perks. There is also a special version of Amazon Prime tailored to students. Loyalty program members are typical among a retailer’s best customers, but Amazon Prime members distinguish themselves by spending twice as much as other Amazon shoppers. Other retailers are beginning to follow Amazon’s lead. As of 2019, 76% of loyalty programs did not charge a fee, but more than half of the companies surveyed reported that they are considering implementing fee-based, premium loyalty programs. 

Premium loyalty programs encourage spending with attractive offers and the opportunity for customers to recoup their money. This paradigm is similar to the one used by wholesale clubs like Costco, but we often see it in retailers who offer a very specialized product to customers and who already have a high level of loyalty. Gamestop, GNC, and Lululemon are among the retailers with premium loyalty programs because of their niche product offerings. 

Omnichannel

The Nordstrom loyalty program relaunch modernized it and emphasized omnichannel sales. Social media channels were leveraged to help create a sense of community, similar to in-store events. The retailer also introduced an app for its loyalty program. The Nordy Club also encourages online purchasing and BOPIS, with curbside pickup. In stores, space is set aside for events, a café, and makeover areas.

Multitier

The Nordy Club has four tiers based on annual spending. Benefits at the beginning level include exclusive “First to Shop” launches, basic alterations and workshops, in addition to points for purchases. Points are easier to earn and other benefits improve as the customer rises through the ranks. Benefits include a visit from a home stylist at the highest level.

A Key Part of the Brand

“Our loyalty program is a key part of our brand,” Nordstrom’s co-president and director Erik Nordstrom said, speaking to investors in 2019. “And it’s something that’s been vital to us for quite some time. Five years ago, 35% of our business was done through our loyalty program. It is now at 55% and growing rapidly.”

The REI Co-op membership provides customers rewards for spending and an all-encompassing community experience. In many places, they offer dozens of classes and events to attend at a discount, creating communities of highly focused, like-minded individuals similar to how Nike offers sponsored fitness classes. But that’s not the limit of its community building. REI has a strong stance on environmentalism that it incorporates into its own operations and in the contributions it has made to nonprofit organizations. Identification with these causes leads to strong brand affinity by consumers. This loyalty strategy has been used by other organizations, such as The Body Shop and Target. Does environmentally committed outdoor sportsmen sound like a narrow target audience to you? Definitely not; REI has over 18 million co-op members. 

Easy to Use

Users can check the Shopkick app to see which brands or retailers offer “kicks,” or rewards points, which incentivize shoppers to visit a store or browse online. In-store, Shopkick utilizes an engaging gamification strategy that drives shoppers to products at-shelf and encourages physical product interaction in exchange for kicks. This allows brands to boost product awareness when it truly matters most—in aisle, with the product in hand. By offering users an additional kick incentive for making a purchase, Shopkick closes the loop and drives sales. Eventually, Shopkick users redeem their kicks for free gift cards, which builds a positive affinity and loyalty for the brands and retailers that awarded them.

Combats Loyalty Fatigue

Shopkick partners won’t become the forgotten victims of loyalty fatigue because Shopkick is enjoyable and undemanding. Consumers don’t have to download so many different loyalty apps when using Shopkick to earn rewards for shopping with their favorite brands and retailers. Shopkick allows consumers access to earn rewards with multiple brands and retailers, as it doesn’t confine them to one specific loyalty program. In many cases, Shopkick can be used in conjunction with other customer loyalty programs; shoppers can earn kicks with Shopkick and rewards through their favorite brand or retailer’s program.

Advantages for Partners

Shopkick is one of the leading apps of its type. It attracts a broad audience that may be hard to reach otherwise. Like an in-house loyalty program, Shopkick both influences buying behavior and tracks it, providing valuable analytics. Consider how Shopkick helped drive incremental purchases for Georgia-Pacific. When the brand launched its Dixie Ultra Deep Dish Plates, they partnered with Shopkick to build awareness and drive trial and consideration for the new product. The campaign received over 16M impressions and was highly successful in educating consumers before their trip to the store, boasting a 99% branded video completion rate. Nearly 50% of purchasers were not initially planning to buy Dixie products before their visit to the store.

Customers expect loyalty programs to meet their wants and needs. They want their rewards to come fast (45%), easy (34%), and personalized. That’s a tall order in a crowded environment where it’s hard to distinguish oneself. Shopkick provides an opportunity to bring those rewards to consumers in a way that is convenient and beneficial—for brands and retailers, too.