Pret a Manger: bouncing back from the pandemic with behavioral science
Jan 23, 2025
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The podcast dives into how Pret a Manger rebounded after the pandemic, leveraging behavioral science to boost success. It explores the sunk cost effect and the allure of variable rewards that bolster customer loyalty. The discussion also highlights the evolution of Pret's loyalty programs and the impact of employee empowerment on enhancing customer experiences. Listeners will discover innovative membership models and pricing strategies that cater to consumer psychology, showcasing how adaptability can drive engagement in challenging times.
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Quick takeaways
Pret a Manger effectively utilized the sunk cost effect through its subscription model, motivating customers to frequent their stores more often after paying upfront.
The company's loyalty scheme, based on variable rewards, leverages unpredictability to foster deeper emotional connections and enhance customer loyalty.
Deep dives
The Evolution of Pret's Business Model
Pret-a, founded in 1986 by Julian Metcalf and Sinclair Bechara, capitalized on the limited food scene in London by providing quick, healthy meals aimed at busy professionals. The brand expanded rapidly, now boasting nearly 700 locations, with a significant presence in London and New York City. However, when the pandemic hit, Pret faced severe challenges due to reduced foot traffic in offices, leading to significant losses and store closures. In response, the company explored innovative strategies to regain lost customers and adapt to changing consumer behaviors.
Implementing a Subscription Model
To combat the downturn caused by the pandemic, Pret launched a subscription service that initially offered five free coffees a day for a monthly fee, showcasing a value-driven approach. This model not only drew in customers but also leveraged the sunk cost effect; once consumers paid the membership fee, they felt compelled to maximize their benefits by frequenting Pret. Over time, the subscription evolved, adjusting prices but maintaining customer loyalty through upfront investment. Such subscription tactics have proven effective across various sectors, emphasizing how upfront payment can drive ongoing consumer engagement.
Revolutionizing Loyalty Programs with Variable Rewards
Pret distinguishes itself from competitors by employing a loyalty scheme based on variable, uncertain rewards rather than fixed transactional offers. This model has been shown to cultivate stronger customer loyalty, as unpredictable rewards enhance the enjoyment and excitement of the shopping experience. The system echoes behavioral studies, such as B.F. Skinner's experiments with reinforcement, demonstrating that variability in rewards can create stronger habits and deeper emotional connections with a brand. By integrating discretion into the rewards system, Pret successfully fosters joy and unexpected delight among its patrons, reinforcing brand loyalty.
In this episode, we look at the success of Pret a Manger – especially how they managed to recover so strongly after the pandemic, despite increasing numbers of office workers staying at home. We look at two main biases that they have successfully harnessed: the sunk cost effect and the power of variable rewards
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