Retail
Kroger and Ocado to Operate High-Tech Customer Fulfillment Center in Frederick, Maryland
Kroger and Ocado recently announced the latest location for a customer fulfillment center as Frederick, Md. “Kroger is incredibly excited to construct one of our industry-leading Customer Fulfillment Centers in Maryland in relationship with Ocado to bring fresh food to our customers faster than ever before,” Robert Clark, Kroger’s senior vice president of supply chain, manufacturing and sourcing, said in a company release. “Through our strategic partnership, we are engineering a model for the region, leveraging advanced robotics technology and creative solutions to redefine the customer experience.”
Loyalty / Rewards Program
How To Make A Great Loyalty Program Even Better? Sephora Has The Answer.
Sephora’s Beauty Insider typically is on any list of the top retail brand loyalty programs. Sephora’s program has been praised for offering members access to beauty classes, special promotions, exclusive sets and extending extra perks through credit cards while offering flexibility that gives members access to discounts to its luxury brand offerings without cheapening the perceived value of those brands. Allegra Stanley, Sephora’s vice president and general manager of loyalty, explained to Forbes how the program is going to be even better.
Partnerships
Verizon to offer new credit card in partnership with Synchrony
Synchrony and Verizon will launch the first credit card designed specifically for Verizon customers. It is expected to be available during the first half of the year. “We are thrilled to be working with Verizon as they continue to bring innovation to their customers. This partnership is a great growth opportunity for Synchrony as we continue to diversify our portfolio,” Margaret Keane, CEO, Synchrony, said in a release. “Verizon’s loyal customers expect the best possible experiences and today’s announcement extends that commitment to the credit card market,” Ronan Dunne, Executive Vice President and Group CEO - Verizon Consumer, said in the release.
Corporate Social Responsibility
Wendy’s launches its 2019 Corporate Social Responsibility report
Wendy's recently released its 2019 corporate social responsibility report. Under its new banner, Good Done Right, the report highlights a new commitment to comprehensive accounting of animal care best practices, including responsible use of antibiotics and animal housing conditions, by the end of 2024. The report also touches on efforts to enhance benefits for employees and reduce the company's environmental footprint. “At Wendy’s, we believe that doing the right thing is the only way to do business,” Todd Penegor, President and Chief Executive Officer of The Wendy's Company, said in a release. “Being a responsible corporate citizen is a priority for our brand, and Good Done Right is our way to communicate how we’re advancing various commitments to make a positive impact in the areas of food, people and our environmental footprint.”
Hilton Grand Vacations Eliminates Plastic Straws
Hilton Grand Vacations has eliminated single-use straws from its properties as part of an effort to reduce its overall environmental footprint. “As we expand our corporate social responsibility program, HGV Serves, we’re always looking for more ways to reduce our environmental impact,” said Mark Wang, president and CEO of Hilton Grand Vacations. “Eliminating plastic straws from our resorts is a small but impactful way to act as good stewards of the environment.” The ban falls in line with Hilton’s commitment to removing plastic straws from all of its hotels around the world.