Loyalty360 Reads: April 13 | Starbucks to Provide Direct Relief Grants to Employees, CNN Acquires Personalization Engine, and More

Innovation
 
CNN Preps NewsCo Launch by Acquiring Personalization Engine Canopy
To prepare for its upcoming digital news service, currently codenamed NewsCo, CNN has acquired Canopy, a content personalization software that uses human curation, on-device machine learning and differential privacy to find what readers actually want to see, while at the same time keeping personal data private. Canopy will be a key part of CNN’s upcoming news project.
 
“There has never been a more crucial time to help people discover trusted sources around topics and issues that matter most to them,” said Brian Whitman, the co-founder of Canopy, in a statement. “We’re incredibly excited to join the team at CNN to build some amazing products for their millions of global users.”
 
 
Sheetz Introduces 'SHcan & Go!' in Support of Social Distancing
Sheetz has announced a new payment option, which allows customers to cut down on interaction and stay safe. This new option, called “SHcan & Go,” lets customers scan and pay for their items through the Sheetz app. This option, however, is not available for gas, age-restricted items, made-to-order food and Brothers coffee items. The latter two are still available to be ordered and purchase separately through the app and online, though.
 
"This new feature continues to deliver on our mission to be the ultimate in convenience, allowing customers to scan and pay for items they need easily and quickly," said Travis Sheetz, president and chief operating officer of Sheetz, in a news release. "Innovation has always been a key driver at Sheetz and we will continue to look for new, innovative ways to serve our customers and provide essential needs in these uncertain times."
 
 
Loyalty Programs
 
Royal Caribbean Makes a Big Move to Reward Some of Its Best Customers
In order to give back to its most loyal customers in their time of need, Royal Caribbean has announced that they are extending the tier status for current Club Royale members. "All Club Royale members will receive an extension of their 2020 tier status through March 31, 2022," the company wrote in an email to members. "Additionally, members who were in jeopardy of losing their tier status on the recent April 1, 2020 renewal date will receive an extension on their status through March 31, 2022. This means you will enjoy all your benefits and perks for the next 24 months."
 
 
Corporate Social Responsibility
 
Starbucks to Provide Direct Relief Grants to Employees
To give relief to employees across the world, Starbucks has announced the formation of the Starbucks Global Partner Emergency Relief Program. Employees facing, as the release quotes, “extreme” hardship during the COVID-19 pandemic will have access to one-time, direct relief grants. These funds, beginning with the use of $10 million, will be funneled to U.S. company workers through Caring United Partners and to Europeans workers with the newly created Starbucks EMEA Partner Relief Fund.  
 
“As we navigate this global crisis, we never lose sight of the wellbeing of our partners, who are the heartbeat of this company,” Lucy Helm, chief partner officer, said in a statement. “During this very difficult time, we believe it is our responsibility to create additional support for partners facing unexpected financial hardship wherever they are. We are proud to be a catalyst for a first-of-its-kind global funding initiative to further demonstrate to our Starbucks partners that we are in this together.”
 
 
Canada Goose Delivers 14,000 Units of Medical Gear to Canadian Hospitals, Reopens Six More Facilities to Ramp up Production of PPE With the Help of 900 Employees
To support those working on the frontline of healthcare establishments, Canada Goose has announced it will reopen all eight of its facilities, with as many as 900 employees working to make personal protective equipment (PPE). Canada Goose will produce at least 600,000 gowns per week and plans to deliver up to 1.5 million. The company also said it plans to manufacture and donate 14,000 units of gowns and scrubs at no charge. "These unprecedented times call for decisive, collective action and now is the time for Canada to invest in Made-in-Canada solutions," said Dani Reiss, President & CEO, Canada Goose, said in a press release. "With one of the largest Canadian apparel manufacturing infrastructures in the country, we are uniquely positioned to re-tool our facilities and refocus our teams to produce a variety of personal protective equipment – and we are prepared to leverage all of our resources to do what's right for our country."

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