Schedule a discovery call with a Partner at theWild to level up your loyalty game. We'll start with a simple discussion to understand your situation.
During the holiday season, consumers are bombarded with marketing messages like a fruitcake overloaded with nuts—emails, ads, texts, and signs crammed in so thick that it’s nearly impossible to pick out any single ingredient. Engaging customers effectively during this barrage of candied fruits offers retailers a unique opportunity to not only boost sales but also cultivate lasting relationships that can extend far beyond December festivities.
In a world where holiday shopping habits are shifting at lightning speed, understanding these changes is crucial. Today’s consumers have ever-evolving expectations and preferences. They demand unique experiences (not just ads) tailored just for them while still adhering to their privacy concerns.
This article will discuss how retailers can stand out against the holiday clutter by leveraging their loyalty programs to deliver personalized, targeted offers and turn seasonal shoppers into loyal, year-round customers.
Let's start with the basics.
Effective promotion and smart discounting are important all year. However, they become even more crucial during the holiday season. These strategies can greatly affect sales and how customers connect with the brand. With 71% of US online adults valuing instant discounts, financial incentives play a major role in attracting holiday customers. Spoiler alert - customers love a good deal!
However, you can give your brand a chance to compete in areas other than the race-to-the-bottom on price by thoughtfully implementing loyalty tactics throughout the customer lifecycle. This means cultivating a positive brand experience before the holidays begin.
Loyalty programs play a significant role in boosting customer engagement and sales. Older research from Accenture shows that loyalty program members generate 12% to 18% more revenue annually than non-members, proving the positive financial impact of these programs. Since the pandemic, this impact has only strengthened, with 73% of premium loyalty members shopping more at their favorite retailers.
Additionally three out of four consumers stick with stores that deliver consistent customer service and a positive experience. When customers feel valued and supported, they’re not just more likely to return—they’ll become your brand's best advocates. With the holiday season on the horizon, now’s the time to turn first-time buyers into loyal fans.
Simply put: this is your shot! Give customers a reason to come back for that second purchase (and beyond).
This holiday season, shopping patterns are shifting as consumers prioritize value and stretch their budgets. Eighty-five percent of shoppers plan to cut spending on nonessential items. Even more, they're turning to private labels, resale options, and rental programs to save money. More than half of shoppers, 59% to be exact, said that inflation will impact their holiday shopping this year indicating a premeditated, measured approach to holiday shopping.This trend highlights the need for retailers to adapt their holiday promotions and cater to a more informed consumer base
Loyalty programs and stores offering discounts are particularly appealing, as customers seek brands that offer tangible rewards and savings. For many, loyalty programs add a layer of trust and familiarity, helping customers feel they’re getting the best value for their money. This shift underscores a more calculated, budget-conscious approach, with a mix of digital convenience and in-store experiences shaping where and how people choose to shop.
While digital shopping is prevalent, many consumers still prefer the tactile experience of buying key holiday items in physical stores.This highlights the importance of investing in customer experiences and maintaining high standards of in-store offerings. Enriching these experiences presents massive opportunities for growing brand loyalty during the upcoming holiday season.
In particular, bridging digital and physical shopping is key—creating an experience that works smoothly online and in-store will attract today’s savvy holiday shoppers
To make loyalty offers truly irresistible this holiday season—and drive traffic and revenue—focus on perks that make members feel likeVIPs. Here are some creative ideas:
Together, these perks build excitement and loyalty and, when coupled with a seamless online and in-store shopping flow, drive impulse buys and repeat business.
You guessed it—a sprinkle of AI magic is here to transform holiday marketing!
Generative AI has the potential to redefine customer engagement by crafting hyper-personalized campaigns that feel tailor-made for each shopper. This advanced technology doesn’t just elevate relevance; it opens up a world of experience-driven offerings customized to diverse consumer segments. As more consumers seek personalized, multi-channel experiences, generative AI enables brands to tap into this trend by delivering content that resonates deeply.
By studying shopper behavior and preferences in real-time, generative AI helps retailers improve their marketing strategies. This leads to better interactions after the holidays. It helps brands stay agile and competitive, adapting campaigns to market shifts and boosting their impact with laser-focused precision. In a landscape where consumers expect unique and seamless shopping experiences, AI-powered campaigns are the key to capturing loyalty and standing out in a crowded holiday market.
However, while marketers are bombarded with messages of "AI for everything", consumers are more cautious to jump aboard the sleigh with large tech companies. Consumers are generally underwhelmed with AI so far - with less than 30% of consumers saying the results have lived up to their expectations. Even more, all generations continue to show a lack of trust towards AI-delivered services and content. As with everything, finding the right balance between carefully-curated and over-personalized should remain a high priority for brands, alongside transparency in their use of AI.
To lock in loyalty this holiday season, retailers must prioritize creating smooth, frictionless shopping experiences. Streamlining returns is a game-changer, as REI shows with its quick in-store returns and QR code options, which ease frustrations and boost post-purchase satisfaction. By integrating immersive technologies like VR and AR, stores can make shopping not only efficient but also engaging and memorable during the holiday hustle.
Gift cards remain the ultimate holiday staple, yet clunky purchase processes can put off even the most determined buyer. Simplifying gift card transactions across digital and in-store channels encourages easy access and spending, while linking gift cards to loyalty programs can turn these purchases into powerful tools for driving repeat visits and attracting new shoppers during this critical season.
Retailers can build trust by offering hassle-free returns, such as Amazon’s paperless QR code drop-offs via UPS or home pick-up partnerships, ensuring shoppers feel supported even after the sale. With online holiday shopping on the rise, clear return policies are essential, and loyalty programs spotlighting perks like expedited shipping and effortless returns can make all the difference. By simplifying returns and enhancing customer support, retailers not only elevate satisfaction but also reinforce their reputation for top-tier service, creating a holiday shopping experience that customers will want to revisit.
For many holiday shoppers, loyalty points are like a secret weapon to stretch their budget—and it shows why loyalty programs matter so much this time of year. In fact, 80% of consumers say they’d be more likely to join a loyalty program if it comes with year-round discounts. It’s the perfect chance to reel in new members while holiday traffic is buzzing! By gathering data and spotting trends during the holiday rush, brands can refine loyalty programs to keep shoppers engaged well into the new year and beyond.
And it’s not just about making quick sales; the holidays are a golden opportunity to build long-lasting customer loyalty. With 70% of shoppers choosing stores based on rewards, this season is the time to roll out those tempting holiday promos and exclusive deals. Smart brands that invest in zero-party data—data directly shared by customers—boost customer lifetime value by 9% on average. After the holiday rush, analyzing purchase patterns and gathering feedback lets brands adapt loyalty programs to keep up with customers’ evolving needs.
Want to stand out? Add some playfulness with gamification and community-building elements. Interactive challenges, online communities, and rewards for participation keep customers engaged well beyond the initial sale. It’s a win-win: a loyalty program that’s fun, unique, and keeps customers coming back all year.
The holiday season is a great time to attract new customers. It's also a chance to turn these customers into loyal fans. These fans will stay with you long after the decorations are gone. By rolling out irresistible perks—think early access, exclusive discounts, and personalized offers—brands can hook holiday shoppers and keep them coming back for more.
Capturing data during this high-traffic time enables brands to fine-tune loyalty programs that feel relevant year-round. With playful touches like gamification, online communities, and interactive rewards, brands can keep customers engaged, ensuring their holiday purchase is just the opening act of an ongoing relationship.
Schedule a discovery call with a Partner at theWild to level up your loyalty game. We'll start with a simple discussion to understand your situation.
