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

Customer complaints are at a record high

Consumers see higher prices and reduced customer support in a time of record corporate profits, and it’s weighing on their satisfaction, ACSI finds.

By Bryan Wassel • Aug. 14, 2026

Giant Food cuts loyalty coupon friction with Savings Stations

Shoppers can now load personalized offers and digital coupons directly onto their loyalty account and have them automatically applied at checkout.

By Peyton Bigora • Aug. 13, 2026

L.L. Bean rolls out loyalty program with perks for a purpose

Alongside points accrual, the program offers members the chance to vote on the direction of $250,000 of L.L. Bean’s charitable investments.

By Kristen Doerer • Aug. 11, 2026

Duolingo’s user retention hits all-time high as app boosts stickiness

The language learning app company expects higher daily average users to produce higher revenue, but it’s playing the long game.

By Kristen Doerer • Aug. 11, 2026

Loyalty lessons learned from Olive Garden’s pasta pass

Exclusive promotions and loyalty rewards can keep customers engaged. But Olive Garden will need to execute on experience to engender brand loyalty, experts say.

By Bryan Wassel • Aug. 10, 2026

7 Brew looks to supercharge growth with new app, loyalty system

The new app could provide a boost to the rapidly growing coffee brand by driving sales and raising the quality and volume of consumer data it collects.

By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • Aug. 7, 2026

Booking Holdings’ connected trip strategy boosts loyalty

The parent company of Booking.com, Agoda and Priceline wants travelers to book multiple travel verticals with the company for the same trip.

By Kristen Doerer • Aug. 5, 2026

Hilton CMO on what it takes to earn loyalty

Global CMO Mark Weinstein explains how the hospitality titan is utilizing creators, AI and loyalty in an evolving advertising landscape.

By Chris Kelly • Aug. 5, 2026

Restaurant gimmicks can drive initial interest but miss on long-term loyalty

Canned phrases, scripted songs and choreographed dance routines aim to boost brand consistency and memorability but risk alienating customers and employees, experts say.

By Michael Brady • Aug. 4, 2026

Taco Bell credits its loyalty program for digital sales growth

The restaurant chain will roll out a redesigned app in the third quarter to capitalize on its strong customer-brand relationships and accelerate digital sales.

By Kristen Doerer • Aug. 3, 2026

Circle K redesigns loyalty program with visit-based model

The updated Inner Circle platform looks to simplify Circle K’s loyalty experience.

By Brett Dworski • Aug. 3, 2026

Chipotle’s efforts to engage customers with rewards in-restaurant pay off

“While food quality and generous portions bring guests through our doors, it's the experience we deliver that keeps them coming back,” CEO Scott Boatwright said.

By Kristen Doerer • July 30, 2026

Starbucks’ experience refinements are ‘turning engagement into rituals,’ CEO says

According to CEO Brian Niccol, better customer service and a revamped loyalty program are building trust with customers and making the brand more visible.

By Bryan Wassel • Updated July 31, 2026

If loyalty programs are so important, why doesn’t Trader Joe’s have one?

The brand has the highest loyalty among U.S. grocers because loyalty is a strategy, not just a program, experts say.

By Michael Brady • July 28, 2026