Loyalty Programs
Hyatt Extends Its Loyalty Program Benefits for One Year
Hyatt is giving those in its World of Hyatt loyalty program a one-year extension on the benefits they earn with that program. The status usually needs to be maintained every year with consistent stays but because of the virus, Hyatt has postponed any degradation of the customer’s status.
Also, Hyatt is expanding its waiver policy on booked hotels for all members. For travel through June 30, 2020, all Hyatt bookings can be changed or cancelled without penalty for free.
Customer Engagement
Rangers, MSG Network Finding Ways to Engage Fans and Partners
On the day the New York Rangers would have been playing their final game of the NHL regular season, MSG Network is instead airing the four wins the team had in the 2014 Eastern Conference Finals to send them to the Stanley Cup.
“We’ve trying to engage our fans as much as possible at this time in an appropriate way,” said Kristin Bernert in a news release, Madison Square Garden Co. executive vice president of sports operations and who oversees the business operations for the Rangers. “Our biggest concern is the health and wellness of our players, fans, and staff – part of that wellness is mental health, and we want to make sure we’re providing a little escape.”
The games are also being freshened up with interviews from players which were conducted by MSG Network host and reporter John Giannone.
Employee Focus
Uber Builds a Tool to Help its Drivers Find Work at Other Companies
Uber has launched Work Hub, a way for drivers unable to find work to find another employment opportunity in this time of need. Uber is partnering with Domino’s and Target’s delivery service Shipt and CareGuide. The company says it is also going to share openings with from McDonald’s, FedEx, Pepsi, Hertz and Walgreens.
Also, in select cities, such as Chicago, Dallas and Miami for now, Uber Works will connect drivers with jobs in food production, warehouse and customer service. Uber Freight is giving priority screening for those with a Class A Commercial Driver’s License and the company is also encouraging drivers to accept UberEats requests.
Retail
Amazon to Delay Prime Day Event Due to Coronavirus
Amazon has postponed its major shopping event, Prime Day, until at the earliest August. The tech giant expects a potential $100 million loss from devices it might now sell at a discount, according to the Reuters article linked.
Closed on Easter: Grocery Stores Including Trader Joe's, BJ's Wholesale Club Will be Closed Because of COVID-19
Due to the virus, multiple grocery stores that were not closed previous years on Easter are closed this year. Some of them include Trader Joe’s, Sprouts Farmers Market, BJ’s Wholesale Club and Southeastern Grocers.
Retailers have stated that this day off is to give staff time to rest from the exorbitant amount of stress, such as Trader Joe’s, who states on their website that stores are closed “to give our incredible Crew Members a much needed day of rest."