Consumers favor AI shopping assistants from brands they already use and trust

Companies should be wary of leveraging brand trust when considering the rollout of an AI shopping assistant.

By Matt Vartabedian • Oct. 2, 2026

Grubhub tests rewards to boost dine-in traffic in NYC, Chicago

Customers will be able to choose from three personalized weekly rewards to use at partner restaurants and then receive Grubhub credits.

By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • Oct. 1, 2026

Alaska Air will let loyalty members decide how their points accrue

The carrier is giving Atmos Rewards members the ability to customize how they earn points — by distance traveled, price paid or segments flown — to better fit customers’ specific travel needs.

By Kristen Doerer • Sept. 29, 2026

As consumers use AI for discovery, brands risk losing their relationship to the customer

Brands spent decades building direct customer relationships. Now, as consumers increasingly use AI tools for product recommendations, they are contending with a new reality.

By Matt Vartabedian • Sept. 25, 2026

McDonald’s has big plans for its loyalty program

Changes to MyMcDonald’s will work to increase frequency with existing members, while driving interest from lapsed members through additions like tiers and personalized experiences.

By Bryan Wassel • Sept. 24, 2026

How brands can combat slipping brand loyalty in the US

While rising prices may lead consumers to switch brands, the building blocks of loyalty are more nuanced and comprehensive.

By Kristen Doerer • Sept. 24, 2026

AI features can help retail apps gain and retain home screen real estate

Focused on accessing one-time discounts or promotions, consumers typically delete recently downloaded retail apps. But useful features, including those provided by AI, may help reverse that tendency.

By Matt Vartabedian • Sept. 23, 2026

Ally bets on loyalty perks to boost consumer bank strategy

The digital lender aims to drive relevancy with customers’ everyday spending through the addition of a rewards program, Ally’s president of consumer banking said.

By Caitlin Mullen • Sept. 23, 2026

At Home gives its customers a voice in its loyalty program evolution

The home goods retailer conducted customer research and focus groups as well as CRM and behavioral testing to create the new program, and it will utilize a consumer panel to shape its future.

By Bryan Wassel • Sept. 22, 2026

When forgotten trials roll over into paid subscriptions, loyalty can suffer

Customers expect a clear path to cancellation, and when brands fail at that “you are probably ruining your chances of having them be a customer ever again,” Recurly’s Rachel Sheriff said.

By Bryan Wassel • Sept. 22, 2026

Why communities, not transactions, are the future of loyalty

Apps like Dick’s Sporting Goods’ GameChanger build customer relationships and generate useful insights beyond what transaction-based loyalty programs offer, experts say.

By Bryan Wassel • Sept. 17, 2026

Regal’s new subscription serves as its loyalty program middle ground

Regal Rewards+, positioned as a flexible middle point between the free Regal Rewards program and the more expensive Regal Unlimited subscription, offers perks like discounts for friends.

By Bryan Wassel • Sept. 16, 2026

Brands ignore customer feedback at their own peril

Brands have a wealth of customer sentiment and behavior data available to them but often can’t close the circuit between collection and action.

By Matt Vartabedian • Sept. 15, 2026

Hyatt, Delta team up to offer loyalty perks across full travel journey

Through a new collaboration, members of both the World of Hyatt and Delta SkyMiles loyalty programs will be able to earn rewards on travel that “extends far beyond a hotel stay,” said Hyatt’s CEO.

By Jenna Graber • Sept. 11, 2026

Petco loses millions due to loyalty program

When Petco Perks launched in Q2, “customer point redemption volumes far exceeded our initial projections,” CEO Joel Anderson said.

By Bryan Wassel • Sept. 3, 2026

Carnival’s new loyalty program upends how points are earned

Carnival Rewards correlates status with spend, replacing the VIFP Club’s approach of earning status based on days spent on a cruise.

By Bryan Wassel • Sept. 2, 2026

Albertsons loyalty members can redeem points at Chevron stations

Under an arrangement between the grocer and the fuel company, shoppers can apply rewards from both companies’ loyalty programs toward gas purchases.

By Sam Silverstein • Sept. 2, 2026

Amazon Prime members now get free Alexa+ access

The new perk follows a quarter of double-digit growth in Prime membership as Amazon and rivals emphasize the importance of their paid membership programs.

By Bryan Wassel • Sept. 1, 2026

Ulta combines promotions and experiences to win over cautious customers

The retailer’s overall ecosystem, including its loyalty personalization, are working together to keep customers coming back, according to CEO Kecia Steelman.

By Bryan Wassel • Aug. 28, 2026

Panera overhauls rewards program

The company shifted to points-based loyalty with premium tiers to offer consumers more consistent value and greater control of redemption.

By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • Aug. 25, 2026

Why restaurant loyalty programs need to go beyond the points-based game

Guests don’t just want freebies, they want recognition, personalization and an overall great experience as part of their rewards membership.

By Julie Littman • Aug. 24, 2026

Walmart touts fast delivery, strong Walmart+ membership as growth drivers

The retailer is positioning fast delivery options as a way to build trust with customers looking for value and convenience, executives said.

By Bryan Wassel • Aug. 20, 2026

How hotels can leverage experiences and unique partnerships to drive loyalty

Marriott International’s Lucy Werner shares how strategic partnerships can enhance the guest experience and tap into guests’ passions and interests.

By Noor Adatia • Aug. 20, 2026

Walmart+ adds new perks to enhance in-store convenience

Members of the paid program can now receive complimentary photo prints each month and access fee-free money transactions.

By Dani James • Aug. 19, 2026

The secret behind Southwest Airlines’ rapid loyalty program growth

The combination of transactional, value-oriented benefits alongside the soft touch and experience creates "magic," VP of Rapid Rewards Nandika Suri said. "That’s where you really help to build that deeper emotional connection."

By Bryan Wassel • Aug. 17, 2026