#64: Pret Bets on Subscriptions

Amidst unprecedented changes in consumer behaviour as a result of the covid pandemic, Pret a Manger has become the first major UK brand to launch a subscription programme for coffee customers.  It's "YourPret Barista" programme is an impressive strategy designed to tempt customers in to new behaviours by subscribing to a monthly package of unlimited coffee.  Listen to this episode to hear the strategic thinking driving this concept - another example of the power of subscription programmes to drive "extreme loyalty".  Show Notes: 1) Pret Bets on Subscriptions - Live Loyalty article on Liquid Barcodes 2) Pret a Manger UK  3) Live Loyalty video for coffee store owners interested in subscriptions

This audio article introduces the exciting loyalty programme for sushi lovers in Norway.  Sabrura Sushi has created a community of loyal customers it calls "goldfish". Its programme includes an app to support eCommerce orders and allow the brand to connect with members digitally through an automated communications cycle. In more recent times, their loyalty app has also allowed them to capture “track and trace” details for customers, required for Norwegian restaurants amidst the Covid pandemic.  Listen to this article to hear all about the loyalty benefits available for Sabrura Sushi lovers in Norway. Show Notes:  1) Super Sabrura Sushi - Live Loyalty article on Liquid Barcodes   2) Sabrura Sushi 

MOL Group is a leading international integrated oil company in Central Eastern Europe, with nearly 2,000 retail fuel stations in thirty countries. It's also the region’s largest coffee retailer and is laser focused on the digital transformation of its business, launching innovative programmes including the INA Loyalty programme launched in Croatia in 2020. Listen to learn how this programme has created a points-based concept as its award currency, yet has a rewards strategy based on free products and personalised offers of increasing value. Show Notes 1) Croatia’s New Concept - Live Loyalty Article  2) INA Loyalty Programme - Croatia 

Yuu Rewards is an innovative coalition loyalty programme launched in Hong Kong in July 2020.  This audio article describes how the programme works and why it's proving so popular, ranging from its extraordinary range of stores through to the cheesy yet charming TV campaign which has delighted consumers.  Yuu Rewards is a truly digital loyalty programme, awarding points in real time to exceed expectations of digitally-savvy Chinese consumers. Enjoy this episode of our live loyalty podcast to learn more about the latest loyalty programme launched in Asia.  Show Notes:  1) Cheesy or Charming? Loyalty article on Yuu Rewards Hong Kong  2) Yuu Rewards 

Loyalty programmes are evolving dramatically as members increasingly prefer to engage with brands with a purpose and are not just focused on profit.  This article discusses one way that un-spent loyalty points can be used to make donations to any one of 20,000 charities in the UK, creating emotional loyalty - not just transactional loyalty. Listen as we discuss key learnings on how "empowering generosity" can drive your programme's engagement.  Show Notes: 1) Live Loyalty article - Empowering Generosity 

Nespresso was first created by Nestle as a coffee brand for hotels and restaurants, and it nearly failed.  It quickly pivoted to focus on coffee-loving consumers and its popularity exploded, becoming one of the world's most iconic, premium brands. This article discusses Nespresso's secrets to success, from its charismatic brand ambassador George Clooney, to its exclusive community "Le Club", and more recently, its adoption of a subscription model in key markets such as the UK as well as other insights from this multi billion dollar brand.  Listen to this live loyalty article from Liquid Barcodes to hear how Nespresso is leveraging digital innovation to connect with its customers, and how it has continued to thrive in this intensely competitive industry.  Show Notes: 1) Simply Nothing Like Nespresso - live loyalty article on Nespresso's coffee subscription programme

As one of the most exciting concepts emerging in convenience retail, subscription programs offer retailers the potential to drive even greater loyalty with consumers.  Racetrac Rewards is one of the first gas stations to launch this business/loyalty model for its fuel business - an exciting and clever strategy that offers customers a clear value proposition, as well as driving compelling benefits for the business.  Listen to this live loyalty article to learn all about Racetrac's VIP loyalty program where customers "subscribe and save on fuel."   Show Notes: 1) Subscribe and Save on Fuel - article on subscription loyalty in fuel retail

Circle K is one of the world's most respected retail brands, operating gas stations, convenience stores and also the world's largest car wash network with over 2,750 locations across Europe and North America. This podcast discusses Circle K's latest innovation in their car wash category and showcases the power of their car wash subscription program to drive both margin and volume.  The case study highlights the strategic insights that led to Circle K becoming one of the first car wash operators to adopt the subscription model in multiple markets, including products for individual consumers, corporate customers and families.  Liquid Barcodes is proud to be supporting this exciting innovation in the car wash business, so listen to this episode of our Live Loyalty podcast to understand the challenges & insights from this case study that explains the power of subscription programs to create "extreme loyalty".   Show Notes: 1) Loyalty article - Circle K Car Wash Subscription Concept Proves Commercially Compelling 2) Lars Hecht - Global Lead, Car Wash Category Director at Circle K

This live loyalty article discusses an innovative concept for many convenience retailers - the opportunity to sell in bulk to corporate customers.  It showcases how the leading Swedish retailer Pressbyrån recognised the potential of our digital coupon shop to sell products as "everyday rewards"  to bulk buyers such as loyalty programme managers and HR Managers.  This concept offers a radically new and untapped commercial opportunity that also drives brand awareness and footfall from an entirely new audience. Listen to this episode to learn how your convenience brand can surprise and delight customers at scale. Show Notes:  1) Surprise & Delight at Scale - Loyalty Article  2) Liquid Barcodes Coupon Shop 

In this week's episode of the Liquid Barcodes Live Loyalty podcast, we discuss the simple yet compelling loyalty strategies being leveraged by Krispy Kreme - a brand that is positioning itself as the "most loved sweet treat brand in the world". We discuss how they're addressing the challenges of Covid 19 with some innovative campaigns, as well as the case study of their 2018 launch in Ireland, still their most profitable store worldwide. Key insights include the power and impact of their digital activity on their brand value internationally, as well as the structure of their "MySweet Rewards" program and the ongoing importance of both promotions & product sampling to create loyalty to their delicious donuts.   Show Notes:  1) Krispy Kreme Loyalty Article