Loyalty360 Reads: August 11  | Panera to Offer 3 Percent Daily Cash on Apple Card, NHL to Reward Chinese Followers and More

Innovation
 
Panera First to Offer 3 Percent Daily Cash Back on Apple Card
 
Panera launched the ability for guests to get an unlimited three percent Daily Cash Back on their Apple Card when they use Apple Pay in the Panera app, website or at the register. Panera is currently the only restaurant to offer this program.
 
“Panera aims for each guest experience to be simple, easy and fast,” says George Hanson, Panera’s chief digital officer. “More guests than ever are digitizing their wallets and opting for contactless payments as part of our new normal, and Panera wants to be part of that solution. As a brand committed to value, we are excited to be the first restaurant bringing our guests 3% Daily Cash on Apple Card when they purchase their favorite Panera soups, salads and sandwiches.”
 
KONG Box Cares: ‘Our Dogs are the Unsung Heroes of COVID’
 
With many employees working from home, their dogs have become one of the reasons they have stayed sane during the time of immense stress. The owners of these dogs shared their experiences and tips using the hashtag #KONGBoxCares on social media to show how dogs are positively affecting their lives. KONG Box launched this initiative two months ago and rewards select owners for postings these experiences and tips; a few of the responses included:
 
  • @harvshome said their dog “came to lick my face and comfort me when I had a mini panic attack and was crying.”
  • @mynameis.pebbles said as a disabled Army veteran, her dog gives her purpose and helps her cope with anxiety.
  • @kimberlyleilani’s dog enforces social distancing.
  • @dnwhitman’s dog Rocky made her laugh when she barked during the movie 101 Dalmatians. She says Rocky says, “I love that I get to see mom more now. I hope this lasts forever.”
 
Loyalty Program
 
NHL to Reward Followers in China with New Engagement Program
 
The National Hockey League launched a way for fans in China to get rewarded, according to Sport Business. The league is looking for hockey fans that have leadership qualities, are active online and willing to organize offline activities. These fan leaders can be rewarded with a custom NHL jersey, free NHL.TV access for a year, tickets to future NHL games in China, and other opportunities for events.
 
“Engaging our fans across the globe is of paramount importance,” Joe Loreski, NHL vice president of international marketing, says in the Sport Business article. “The NHL fan leaders program demonstrates that objective in China, as we will identify and collaborate with those that display the enthusiasm and initiative to engage hockey fans with fan-driven content and commentary, delivered via the NHL’s growing social media channels.”
 
News
 
Amazon and Mall Operator Look at Turning Sears, J.C. Penney Stores into Fulfillment Centers
 
According to the Wall Street Journal, Amazon and Simon Property Group, the biggest mall operator in the U.S., want to turn several closed department stores into Amazon distribution hubs. The article says the two companies are working on a possible agreement, but that it is unclear how many stores were under consideration for the retail giant.
 
“The talks have focused on converting stores formerly or currently occupied by J.C. Penney Co. Inc. and Sears Holdings Corp.,” the article states. “The department-store chains have both filed for chapter 11 bankruptcy protection and, as part of their plans, have been closing dozens of stores across the country. Simon malls have 63 Penney and 11 Sears stores, according to its most recent public filing in May.”
 
Uber Rides Take COVID-19 Hit but Food-Delivery Business Doubles
 
Reuters says that Uber’s ride-hailing portion of its business declined to $1.25 billion in the U.S. and Canada during the pandemic, which is the brand’s largest combined market. Uber’s second-quarter revenue also fell 29 percent to $2.24 billion from the year before.
 
However, the revenue for Uber Eats doubled to $1.2 billion, thanks to the higher delivery demand in the U.S. Uber also acquired Postmates during this time, which will see its reach grow even further.
 

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