It usually takes more resources to entice new customers than it does to retain loyal ones, so these inventive customer retention programs aim to please repeat clients in novel ways. One of the most outstanding examples is IBEROSTAR's 'Superfan' program, which recognizes guests who have stayed at the chain upwards of 10 times, or even customers who have proven extreme devotion to the brand with a tattoo.
While there are many rewards programs that require consumers to devote space on a personal mobile device for an app that will aggregate points, one highly creative example for customer retention comes from Subway, which only uses the restaurant's Wi-Fi network and push notifications to entice new and returning customers with deals.
Rather than simply rewarding repeat customers as part of a routine transaction, brands like JCPenney, Groupon and TD Bank opted to create public shows of appreciation for existing consumers with marketing stunts. As well as it being heartwarming to see a brand care for its consumers in this way, commercials like these are powerful tools to entice new customers who hope to be recognized for their loyalty in the same way in the future.
22 Customer Retention Innovations
These Customer Retention Programs Reward Loyalty in Novel Ways:
Laura McQuarrie — Nov 11, 2015 — Art & Design
21
Patron Loyalty Packaging
These Sushi Restaurant Rewards Boxes Thank Regulars for Their Business
20
Compassionate Bank Campaigns
TD Bank's Automatic Thanking Machine Gives Clients Personalized Gifts
19
Data-Driven Loyalty Apps
7-Eleven's New Loyalty Platform Trades Free Drinks for Insightful Data
18
Exclusive In-Store Reward Apps
Belly's Customer Loyalty Program Provides Deals When You Cash Out
17
Experiential Rewards Programs
Holt Renfrew Icon Privileges Earns Experiences Rather Than Points
16
Personalized Hotel Loyalty Programs
IBEROSTAR's Superfan Program Rewards Extremely Loyal Guests
15
Juicy Loyalty Programs
Nekter Juice Bar Used Its Fifth Anniversary to Reward Customers & Strangers
14
Mexican Munchie Rewards Apps
The Costa Vida Mobile App Lets Mexican Food-Lovers Gain Rewards
13
Gift-Sharing Stunts
JCPenney's 'The Gift of Giving' Helps Shoppers Gift Other Consumers
12
Rewarding Activity Trackers
This Retail Chain Rewards Healthy Habits with Store Discounts
11
Wi-Fi Reward Programs
Subway's Mobile Loyalty Incentive Treats Patrons Who Access Wi-Fi
10
Heartfelt Gifting Campaigns
The #GrouponSelfie Campaign Rewards People with Surprise Gifts
9
Presence-Rewarding Apps
Pocket Points Rewards Students for Staying Off Their Phones in Class
8
Fast Food Prize Apps
The Mcdonald's McCafe Platform Lets Consumers Place Orders and Redeem Offers
7
Java Perk Loyalty Cards
The Caribou Perks Loyalty Program Rewards Customers for Sticking with Them
6
Customer Gifting Apps
Front Flip App Lets Store Owners Interact with and Reward Loyal Customers
5
Hospitable Reward Programs
Kimpton's Unique Hotel Loyalty Program Offers Personalized Incentives
4
Crystal Collection Apps
The Swarovski 'Just Because' App Makes Earning Points Mobile
3
Rewarding Smile Booths
Air Miles Entices a Younger Demographic with a Points Card Promotion
2
Mobile Froyo Rewards
The Yogurtland App and Real Rewards Program Honor Loyal Customers
1
Interactive Donut Greetings
Krispy Kreme E-Cards are a Sweet and Sentimental Gift
Related Ideas
Rewarding QSR Trivia Games
Chipotle Mexican Grill Has Reintroduced Its Chipotle IQ Trivia Game
Generative AI Candy Campaigns
The Starburst 'Different Every Time' Campaign is Interactive
College-Targeted Food Pop-Ups
Uber Hosts 'The One Shop' Across University Campuses
Parisian Airport Pop-Ups
Moët Hennessy's Paris Concept Event Featured Travel Exclusives
Digital Debit Card Campaigns
Interac Introduces 'The Lost Wallet Board' Installation in Toronto
Receipt-Inspired Graphic T-Shirts
McDonald's Turns Paper Receipts into the Made to Order Tee
Personalized Coffee Recaps
The 2024 Starbucks Blend Highlights Canadian Coffee Habits
Purposeful Consumer-Focused Campaigns
IKEA's Sleepfluencers Campaign is a Clever Way to Give Back
5g-Enabled Retail Showcases
Singtel is Surpassing Consumer Expectations with 5G Retail
QSR Hunger Initiatives
Starbucks Expands FoodShare Program with Customer Participation Options
Wellness-Centric Credit Cards
Wells Fargo &Mastercard Debut the Attune℠ World Elite Mastercard®
Spin-and-Save Restaurant Promotions
The Ruby Tuesday Summer of Savings Sweepstakes is Interactive
Star-Studded Tech Campaigns
Jewellery Pros and Music Talent Promote the Bose Ultra Open Earbuds
Humorous Payment Campaigns
Paypal's Latest Campaign Features Actor Will Ferrell
Gamer-Centric Fast Food Campaigns
Burger King's Gaming Campaign to Rewards “Burger-to-King” Goals
Creative Play Pop-Ups
The Sharpie Studio Offered Opportunities for Creativity at SXSW
Gen Z-Centric Campaigns
Urban Outfitters' Shift Happens Campaign Has Three Phases
Eco-Conscious Coffee Programs
Costa Coffee's Club Loyalty Scheme Rewards Eco-Minded Customers
AI-Driven Customer Loyalty Systems
TurboPush Aims to Streamline Digital Loyalty Programs
Convention-Challenging AC Campaigns
Samsung's WindFree Ad Stars a Savvy Grandma-Fluencer
Beauty Innovation Contests
Estée Lauder Launches The Catalysts Program
Data-Driven QSR Campaigns
Burger King's BK Unwrapped Reveals Customers' 2024 Ordering Preferences
Craveable Soda Packaging
Sprite is Reviving Its Obey Your Thirst Campaign for a New Generation
Bakery-Café Loyalty Programs
Paris Baguette Unveiled its New PB Rewards Program and Mobile App
Hydrating Outdoor Billboards
Gatorade's BPM Pay Panels Replenish Urban Athletees on the Go
Employee-Free Smart Stores
The 'Teo' Employee-Free Store in Germany is a Success Story
Gen Z-Influenced Marketing Campaigns
Kraft Heinz is Studying Gen Z's Preferences with New Launches
Refreshed Retail Initiatives
Target is Improving its Customer Experience Journey in 2024
Adventurous Roadtrip Retail Campaigns
The Pilot Flying J 'See You Out Here' Campaign is Relatable
Local Restaurant Campaigns
PEPSI X Kelly Rowland Present the Local Eats Better With Pepsi Program
Gamified In-Airport Activations
Haribo's Mobile Games Gives People of All Ages the Chance to Win
Clothing Buy-Back Programs
Eileen Fisher Revolutionizes Clothing Recycling with Renew Program
Swiss Design Cookware Programs
Loblaw's Invites You to "Collect & Save Big" at Its Stores
Interactive Cosmetics Retail Stores
Watsons Upgrades its Stores for Gen Z and Gen Alpha Consumers
Rewarding Recycling Initiatives
Patagonia's Worn Wear Recycling Program Helps Eliminate Waste
Hyper-Personalized AI Campaigns
Tesco's Stronger Starts Uses AI to Recognize Customers by Name
Advanced Adaptive Retail Experiences
Walmart Unveiled New Retail Technologies at CES 2024
QSR Summer Pop-Ups
McDonald's Mexico Launched a Summer-Themed Activation in Mexico
QSR Game-Inspired Fitness Partnerships
WithU and McDonald's MONOPOLY Make Strides in the UK
AI-Powered Marketing Tools
This E-Commerce Tool Uses Customer Data to Project Reward Impacts
Dumpling Restaurant Rewards
Brooklyn Dumpling Shop Unveils its New Loyalty Program
Loyalty-Focused Grocery Initiatives
Tony’s Fresh Market Boasts a New Website and Loyalty Program
User-Friendly Fuel Loyalty Programs
Bp Has Recently Introduced the Earnify™ App
Healthy Lifestyle Reward Promotions
The Chipotle No Quitters Challenge Was Created with Strava
Enhanced Omnichannel Experiences
Lightspeed Commerce Addresses Challenges in Retail & Hospitality
Beauty Loyalty Programs
Sephora Plans to Introduce a New Customer Loyalty Program in the UK
Immersive Virtual Pop-Ups
Benefit Launches Virtual 'Benemart' Concept for Holiday Shopping
Celebratory Convenience Market Menus
7-Eleven, Inc. Launches an Array of New Food Items and Deals
Water Digital Wallet Loyalty Cards
Liquid Death Has Introduced the Liquid Death Country Club
Inventive Retail Strategies
H&M is Working to Localize Its Shopping Experience
Connected Beer Jerseys
Miller Lite's Running of the Beer Ads Turns Fans into Walking Billboards
Digital Wallet Loyalty Solutions
Loopy Loyalty Adds Loyalty Cards in Apple and Google Wallet
AI-Powered Digital Employees
Product Genius Transforms How Small Businesses Connect with Customers
Filipino Restaurant Rewards Programs
Jollibee Launched its First Rewards Program 'Jolly Points'
Social Shopping Apps
Locker Helps Users Organize, Share, and Earn from Online Wishlists.
In-Store Audience Engagement Solutions
Social Shelf® Has a Novel Approach to Customer Engagement
CPG Rewards Campaigns
This Nestlé Promotion Rewards Shoppers with $20 Visa Rewards Cards
Pop Culture-Inspired Rentals
Airbnb Unveils the New 'Icons' Experiences for Short-Term Guests
Early Retirement Communities
The Cantinas by Taco Bell Invites Young Adults to Live Like Retirees
Scannable Tattoo Campaigns
Burger King Korea's Whopper Tattoo Promoted an Upgraded Whopper
Instant Retail Savings Platforms
formi by Patron Points Offers Universal Savings for Shoppers
Hospitality Loyalty Programs
Millennium Hotels and Resorts Revamps Its Reward Program
Interactive Menu Games
Subway Launches the Super-Sized Sweeps for its MVP Rewards
Customer-Exclusive Brand Trips
Cocokind is Hosting a Customer Brand Trip to Napa Valley in 2025
Large-Scale Digital Signage
TouchSource & Centennial Have Collaborated on a New Marketing Project
Web3-Driven Loyalty Programs
Hugo Boss Elevates its Rewards Program to Foster Customer Engagement
Tech-Powered Business Solutions
Apple Business Connect Leverages the Brand's User Base
Late-Night QSR Vehicles
The Student Tour Campaign Shortens the Trip from the Club to Taco Bell
Rewarding AI Shopping Apps
The ShopUp App Revolutionizes In-Store Shopping with AI Data
LATAM Airport Retailer Sweepstakes
Avolta Hosted a Series of Raffles and Prize Contests Last Year
Personalized Hydration Memberships
Gatorade Unveils its First Rewards Program for Frequent Buyers
Socially Supportive Retailer Promotions
Wawa 'Buy a Kids Meal, Make an Impact' is Supportive
Web Browser-Focused Rebate Programs
Shift is Launching the Toggle Tax Rebate Program
Saucy High-Definition Screen Campaigns
Zaxby’s is Leveraging the Busy Black Friday Shopping Period
Unlimited Loyalty Programs
Panera Bread Has Introduced the Panera Unlimited Sip Club
Digital Loyalty Customer Cards
Passkit Makes Loyalty Cards for Apple and Google Wallet
Customer Loyalty AI Platforms
Givex Has Introduced GivexEngageAI, a Tool to Bolster Its Marketing
Crafted Holiday Activations
Loews Hotels & Co will Offer Festive Pop-Ups and Seasonal Sips
Geo-Targeting Store Advertisements
Tesco Recommends Ads Based on a Shopper's Location in a Store
Customized Convenience Retailer Apps
Family Express is Introducing a Personalized App Experience
Low-Cost Grocer Program Promotions
Albertsons FreshPass Program is Offering New Members a Discount
DIY Retailer Rewards Programs
Lowe’s Launches the MyLowe’s Rewards Loyalty Program
Gen Z-Supporting Benefit Policies
Chipotle Launches a New Benefits Program for its Gen Z Employees
Employee-Facing Automation Technology
Starbucks' Siren Craft System Improves Customer Service
Highly Sought-After Restaurant Features
OpenTable Announces Its Icons Program for Major Cities
Simplified Loyalty Programs
CVS Pharmacy Adds Two More Membership Tiers to its Reward Program
Innovative Digital Signage
Creative Realities Enhances Fan Engagement & Outcomes with New Signage
Retail QSR Dining Partnerships
Walmart and Burger King Partnered for an Exclusive Benefit
Personalized Retail Media Networks
Thrive Market Collaborates with Instacart on a New Network
Co-Creating Consumer Communities
The Sam's Club Member’s Mark Community Provides Valuable Feedback
Taco-Based Reward Promotions
Taco John’s Marked National Taco Day This Year
Flexible Flight Loyalty Programs
Valuedynamx Debuts a New Redemption Option for Emirates Skywards
Bridal Loyalty Incentives
David's Bridal Launches a New Loyalty Program
AI-Enhanced QSR Rewards
Wendy's Leverages Artificial Intelligence for its New Rewards Platform
Burger Month Rewards Programs
Wayback Burgers Commemorates National Hamburger Month
Chicken Restaurant Rewards Systems
KFC U.S. Introduces a New Loyalty Program for Frequent Shoppers
Customized Membership Cards
Amaze Technologies Offers Digital Wallet Loyalty Solutions for Brands
Loyalty-Based Fuel Savings
True North Energy Unveils a New Loyalty Program Called truerewards
Gamified Shopping Experiences
Browse Booster Rewards Coupons for Product Views
Pizzeria Subscription Programs
The Chuck E. Cheese Membership Program Has Three Tiers
Tiered Restaurant Rewards
Chopt Enhances its Rewards Program and Secures an Influencer Partnership
Chicken Rewards Platforms
Wingstop is Enhancing its Customer Service with the MyWingstop Platform
Digital Retailer Gifting Options
Hallmark Gift Card Greetings Includes Over 100 Stores and Brands
Voting-Encouraging Ice Cream Promotions
Ben & Jerry's Ran the Red Pencils for Pints Initative
Mobile Ad-Supported Checkouts
Sam's Club is Launching Display Ads in its Mobile App
Connected Packaging Updates
Appetite Creative Revamps its Connected Packaging with Tetra Pak
Immersive Restaurant Rewards App
Bella Italia is Unveiling a New Digital App for its Guests
Local Retail-Championing Initiatives
The 'Reps are Local Too' Initiative is a Nationwide Movement
4/20-Ready Rewards Programs
Curio Wellness Offers a New Loyalty Program Ahead of 4/20
Company Culture-Enhancing Communication Tools
Motivosity Has Unveiled a New Feature Called Spaces
Cooking Show Rewards Promotions
tcc Global Created a MasterChef-Themed Loyalty Rewards Promotions
Third-Party Coupon Providers
Instacart Taps Ibotta to Provide Customers with Digital Coupons
Breakfast Rewards Apps
Effin Egg Launches the New Loyalty App for Consumers
Digital Loyalty Companions
Brew Perks Offers an Easy Way to Track Rewards, Unlock Exclusive Deals
Tip-Encouraging Pizza Promotions
The Domino's You Tip, We Tip Promotion Rewards Gratuities
Dynamic Australian Automobile Platforms
Toyota's 'Toyota Go' Program Enhances Customer Engagement
Retailer-Backed Rewards Cards
Target Launches the New Target Circle 360 Paid Membership
Audio Brand Rewards Programs
Skullcandy Soundlab Elevates Loyal Fans to Co-Creators
Content Retention Tools
Active Recall Helps You Retain Online Content with Tailored Summarizations
Automated eMobility Products
Tibber Debuts the Grid Rewards Program in Various European Countries
Elevated Hospitality Rewards Programs
Al Khoory Hotels Implements a Premium Loyalty Program
Fitness Studio Gamification Tools
Xplor Mariana Tek Enhances Member Motivation & Engagement
Scratch-to-Win Pizza Promotions
Freshslice Pizza is Celebrating Its 25th Anniversary This Month
Subtle Marketing Pop-Ups
FOMO Nudge Encourages Users to Buy with Subtle Pop-Ups
Grocery Store Ad Spots
Morrisons, the UK Supermarket Chain, Celebrates Its Low Pricing in This Ad
Improved Airline Performance Initiatives
Southwest Airlines Announces Several Updates
Travel Rewards Platforms
Hostel Hop Unites Travelers with Rewards, Insights, and Engagement
Employee Engagement Tools
Triibe Offers Interactive Newsfeed, Polls, Surveys, and More
Barbecue Eatery Reward Programs
Dickey's Barbecue Pit Big Yellow Cup Rewards Offers Free Fare
In-Store Tattoo Parlors
Insomnia Cookies Rewarded Fans Who Got an Insomnia Cookies Tattoo
Chicken Restaurant Rewards Games
Chick-fil-A Debuts a New Digital Experience for Loyalty Members
New Year Sandwich Promotions
This Urban Eat On-Pack Promo Offers Hundreds of Prizes Up for Grabs
Cruise Referral Programs
The Crystal Referral Program Gives Newcomers a 5% Discount on Cruises
Incentive Automation Platforms
Shoutout Automates Growth with Rewards to Engage and Retain Users
Efficient Personalized Idea Newsletters
Sofon Curates Personalized Insights From Numerous Sources
Coffee-Focused Rewards Programs
The Human Bean Launches a New Rewards App and System
Experiential Workplace Rewards
Bondly Has Over 300 Experiences for Employers to Reward the Team
Loyalty-Focused BBQ Apps
Sonny's BBQ Debuts a Mobile App Alongside an Exclusive Rewards Program
Generous Referral Programs
SimpliSafe's Generous Referral Program Rewards Both Referrer and Friend
Gas Retailer Rewards Programs
Gas N Wash Unveils its Updated Mobile App and Rewards Program