Ace Hardware Introduces New Immersive Shopping Experience
During its Fall 2024 Convention, Ace Hardware, an Illinois-based retail cooperative, debuted its new experiential store concept, “ELEVATE3 Ace.” The brand plans to implement the concept throughout the next five years. Following a $1 billion investment, the store concept will focus on power, backyards, paint, and more, with an expansion of floor space for respective departments.
Essentially, the Ace stores will emphasize profitable and growth-fueled industries, allowing consumers to connect and align brand values with their own. “Brand Immersive Showrooms” will be displayed in the front of the modified Ace Hardware storefronts. The immersive, brand-oriented shopping experience brought to life in the new “ELEVATE3 Ace” layout has already seen great success in pilot stores.
Lisa Schmitt, Ace Hardware’s Director of Store Development, said, “We work within that unique retailer’s needs, their market, and the shape of their store… we have a whole process for taking that store’s specific data and customizing the template to them.”
Collecting data and applying buying patterns to the whole of the store is how Ace Hardware has been able to see such profitable growth from implementing the “ELEVATE3 Ace” new store concept. Pilot stores have seen an 11% increase in sales when compared to control stores, with positive feedback regarding the improved style of shopping.
You can also learn about Ace Rewards here.
Costco Cracks Down on Membership Fraud
The Washington-based wholesale corporation Costco recently implemented card scanners to crack down on membership fraud. Beginning in January 2024, the corporation began scanning membership cards at the entrance of some locations, which eliminated the need to scan membership cards at checkout. Extending this scanning practice to all stores will be leveraged to ensure non-members aren’t taking advantage of cards that aren’t theirs.
“Over the coming months, membership scanning devices will be used at the entrance door of your local warehouse,” Cosco informed members in a website statement. “Once deployed, prior to entering, all members must scan their physical or digital membership card by placing the barcode or QR Code against the scanner.”
Costco’s annual report revealed that membership fees accounted for $4.6 billion in revenue in fiscal year 2023. Costco will continue to capitalize on the economic opportunity as membership fees will rise in September 2024.
Costco members can learn how to get a digital membership card for use in the Costco app here.
Allegiant Earns Accolades for Credit Card and Frequent Flyer Program
Allegiant was named the number one Best Airline Credit Card and Frequent Flyer Program in USA TODAY’s 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards. This sixth consecutive year’s recognition for Best Airline Credit Card reflects Allegiant’s commitment to consumer satisfaction and loyalty. Allegiant’s Allways Rewards offers opportunistic point redemption and collection, providing exceptional value and rewards to its consumer base.
“We are honored to receive this prestigious recognition for our airline credit card and frequent flyer programs, as voted on by U.S. consumers,” said Scott DeAngelo, Allegiant’s Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer. “We conduct regular customer satisfaction surveys and use the feedback to make informed decisions with regard to continuously enhancing the services and rewards for our loyalty programs. We are committed to providing clear and transparent, financially inclusive loyalty programs that benefit all Allegiant customers—whether they fly occasionally or frequently—and ensure that they receive unparalleled access to unique travel benefits and experiences.”
Learn more about Allways Rewards here.
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Original Article Links:
Ace Hardware Launches New Experiential Store Concept
Membership required: Costco to scan member cards, check ID at all locations
Allegiant Claims Top Spot in USA TODAY's Readers' Choice Awards for Best Airline Credit Card and Best Frequent Flyer Program