Leaders in Customer Loyalty, Powered by Loyalty360

Send us a textCustomer loyalty in the grocery industry is no longer just about discounts and rewards points. It is about creating meaningful connections and offering tangible value in ways that truly resonate. United Supermarkets has embraced this shift by blending gamification, digital engagement, and health-focused initiatives to drive deeper customer loyalty. To explore this strategy, we spoke with Brenda Garcia, Health & Wellness Manager and Registered Dietitian, and Robin Cash, Director of Digital and Loyalty Marketing at United Supermarkets. Their insights reveal how customer expectations are evolving—and how United is staying ahead of the curve. 

Send us a textLoyalty programs have evolved far beyond simple points and rewards. In an era where consumers expect hyper-personalized experiences and seamless omnichannel interactions, brands must rethink how they engage and retain customers. From leveraging AI to recalibrating business models, staying ahead requires both innovation and strategic execution. In this episode of Industry Voices, Mark Johnson of Loyalty360 sits down with Don Smith, Chief Consulting Officer at Capillary, to unpack the latest trends in customer loyalty. They discuss what predictions for 2024 held true, where the industry fell short, and what key strategies will define success in 2025. With insights on AI, partnerships, financial engineering, and program design, this conversation is a must-read for any loyalty professional looking to refine their approach. 

Send us a textIn a beverage industry dominated by coffee culture, iced tea is making a bold statement, thanks to HTeaO. The rapidly growing franchise has transformed a traditionally home-brewed beverage into a sought-after, in-store experience that fosters both emotional and transactional loyalty.  We recently sat down with Heath Nielsen, President of HTeaO, to discuss the company’s journey, its approach to customer engagement, and the future of iced tea in the quick-service industry. 

Send us a textChuck E. Cheese has been a household name in family entertainment for nearly five decades. With 560 locations across 17 countries, the brand has entertained families with children ages 2 to 12 through its unique blend of games, pizza, and birthday celebrations. However, as consumer preferences and economic challenges have shifted, Chuck E. Cheese has adapted with significant investments in modernizing its facilities and reimagining its loyalty programs to better meet the needs of today’s families. In our latest installment of Leaders in Customer Loyalty, we had the chance to learn more about the details of these fresh initiatives from Mark Kupferman, the Executive Vice President and Chief Insights and Marketing Officer. Read the full article on Loyalty360 here: https://loyalty360.org/content-gallery/in-depth-exclusives/pizza-play-and-a-fun-pass-how-chuck-e-cheese-is-winning-hearts-and-walletsWatch the full interview here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S6F9lpzXIKM

Send us a textLoyalty is no longer just about points and perks. It is about creating authentic connections and experiences that resonate. In this edition of Loyalty Live, we spoke with Katie Berndt, Vice President of Strategy, Research, and Insights at Phaedon, to uncover the biggest trends in customer loyalty and how brands can rise to meet them. Katie shared grounded, data-driven insights that reveal how loyalty programs are evolving—and how businesses can stay relevant by striking the perfect balance between innovation and consistency. Read the full interview on Loyalty3360 here: https://loyalty360.org/content-gallery/daily-news/loyalty-live-key-customer-loyalty-trends-with-phaedon-s-katie-berndt

Send us a textBrands are constantly exploring innovative ways to engage their audiences and stand out in a crowded marketplace. From leveraging partnerships to gamifying experiences, the loyalty strategies shaping 2025 are redefining how brands connect with their customers on a deeper, more meaningful level.In this edition of Loyalty Live, Loyalty360 speaks with Ellen Green, Vice President of Loyalty Strategy at Bounteous Trends. Ellen shares insights into the industries driving loyalty program innovation, the rise of gamification, and the importance of emotional loyalty in creating lasting connections. She also discusses the challenges brands face in adopting new technologies and how they can ensure a balanced approach that delivers measurable value.

Send us a textWhen a brand like True Religion—famous for its bold urban casualwear and iconic denim—reimagines its customer loyalty program, it’s more than a refresh. It’s a statement. Under the leadership of Kristen D’Arcy, the brand’s first-ever Chief Marketing Officer, True Religion’s loyalty program has undergone a transformation that has already delivered impressive results.In this podcast, we’ll explore how True Religion rebranded its loyalty program to increase customer engagement, build deeper connections, and reinforce its brand identity. From leveraging non-transactional earning opportunities to delivering experiences money can’t buy, Kristen reveals how True Religion stays true to its ethos of daring to be different.Watch the full interview here: https://youtu.be/vM9LvJUBLqgRead the full article on Loyalty360 here: https://loyalty360.org/content-gallery/in-depth-exclusives/daring-to-be-different-how-true-religion-builds-authentic-customer-loyalty

Send us a textBrands today face a growing challenge: how to keep loyalty programs engaging and relevant in a market filled with similar offerings. As customers demand more tailored experiences and meaningful interactions, the loyalty landscape is shifting toward smarter integrations, innovative technology, and creative strategies.In this edition of Loyalty Live, Loyalty360 sits down with Aaron Lobliner, Chief Client Officer at Cataboom, to explore the trends and strategies brands are leveraging to create impactful loyalty programs. From balancing innovation with consistency to integrating gamification and non-transactional rewards, Aaron provides valuable insights into how brands can differentiate themselves and foster deeper customer engagement.

Send us a textLoyalty360 recently spoke with Paul Nguyen, Senior Marketing Manager at Upper Deck, a leading brand in the trading card and memorabilia industry. Paul shared valuable insights into Upper Deck’s approach to customer loyalty, particularly through their innovative My MVP 2024 promotion. This program highlights the importance of fan engagement and community-building, two key pillars for loyalty program professionals.  By involving dedicated hockey fans in a contest that celebrates their contributions to the sport and community, Upper Deck not only strengthens its brand loyalty but also drives deeper connections with customers. As Upper Deck continues to evolve its marketing and customer engagement strategies, the My MVP promotion serves as a prime example of how brands can leverage unique, fan-focused campaigns to enhance customer loyalty. 

Send us a textAs marketing, and the technologies powering it, are becoming increasingly complex, brands that are striving to connect with customers on a deeper level must navigate emerging challenges like anonymous website traffic and fragmented data. To stand out, companies must embrace advancements that enhance personalization and drive loyalty without compromising privacy.Enter Wunderkind, a respected partner in identity resolution and performance marketing, which helps brands unlock the full potential of their customer data while ensuring compliance with privacy standards.In this edition of Loyalty Live, Mark Johnson of Loyalty360 sits down with Tim Glomb, Vice President of Digital Content, Product Marketing, and AI at Wunderkind. Together, they explore the transformative power of AI and identity resolution in driving customer loyalty and revenue. From the nuances of privacy-compliant data usage to the future of autonomous marketing, Tim offers invaluable insights into how brands can forge meaningful connections with their customers in 2025 and beyond.