Leaders in Customer Loyalty, Powered by Loyalty360

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.

Send us a textLoyalty360 had the pleasure of speaking with John Sellers, Head of Rewards at Bank of America and 2024 Loyalty Expo Champion of Customer Loyalty honoree. Bank of America’s Preferred Rewards program boasts 11 million members and leverages technology and engaged associates to provide personalized value. Mark Johnson, CEO of Loyalty360, discussed key perspectives on the customer loyalty experience with John.Read the full article on Loyalty360 here.Watch the full interview here.

Send us a textAs the digital experience becomes a bigger and bigger part of a buyer’s journey, brands must quickly adapt to meet the evolving preferences of their customers. Nowhere is this truer than with Gen Z, a generation that expects seamless, personalized, and mobile-first experiences. Fat Brands, a global leader in franchising with over 2,300 locations and 18 brands, is making strides to capture this audience through innovative digital strategies.Understanding the Gen Z MindsetGen Z, comprising individuals born between 1997 and 2012, represents a significant portion of the consumer base. They are digital natives, having grown up with technology at their fingertips, and they expect brands to offer intuitive and efficient digital interactions. In our research, Loyalty360 found that Generation Z expects much more from a loyalty program than millennials. They want to save money, get additional perks, and earn rewards. They look for member-only discounts, coupons, and perks like free shipping and free samples.    Lisa Cheatham, Vice President of Marketing Revenue Channels at Fat Brands, explains how the company has pivoted to address the demands of Gen Z consumers. "We've observed a couple of trends here," Cheatham says. "The pandemic accelerated the shift towards digital. Across all our brands, we’ve seen a surge in online ordering and mobile app usage.”For Gen Z, convenience and personalization are paramount. “They expect a seamless online ordering experience,” notes Cheatham. “That was a key insight as we developed our app. We wanted to make it as easy to use and flexible as possible.”

Send us a textDavid’s Bridal stands as a powerhouse in the bridal retail market, with one out of every three brides in the United States walking down the aisle in one of their gowns. Kelly Cook, President of Brand Technology and Finance at David’s Bridal, explains that this prominent position not only fuels their dedication to brides but also their innovative approach to customer loyalty. In a recent interview, Cook shared how David’s Bridal leverages data, personalized customer experiences, and unique loyalty initiatives to build strong emotional connections with their customers. 

Send us a textMemorable experiences are a key part of creating lasting customer relationships, and Häagen-Dazs Shops are taking steps to enhance its approach. In this conversation with Maya Pocock, Brand Marketing leader for Häagen-Dazs Shops, Loyalty360 CEO Mark Johnson gets the inside scoop into how the iconic ice cream brand is building loyalty through its refreshed app. With a focus on frictionless engagement and visually stunning design, Häagen-Dazs is improving user experience and operational efficiency in a simplified and aesthetically appealing platform for customer engagement.Read the full article on Loyalty360 here.

Send us a textCava, a Mediterranean-inspired restaurant chain with over 340 locations has carved out a unique space in the competitive fast-casual dining industry. Known for its fresh ingredients and vibrant Mediterranean flavors, the chain has not only captured the attention of health-conscious diners but also the loyalty of investors. In line with its remarkable growth, Cava has refreshed its Cava Rewards loyalty program, offering insights into how innovative loyalty strategies can support brand growth and customer engagement. Read the full article on Loyalty360 here: https://loyalty360.org/content-gallery/in-depth-exclusives/cava-s-loyalty-program-driving-growth-amid-a-surge-in-popularity