Jersey Mike’s Raises $4.4M to Support Breast Cancer Research
According to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation (BCRF), one out of every eight women in the United States will be diagnosed with breast cancer. Jersey Mike’s Subs, along with the help of its customers, hopes to help curb those statistics with a $4.4M donation raised through a two-day fundraising event in late September. During the event, Jersey Mike’s allocated 20% of its sales across almost 3,000 locations towards its mission. The donations will support the BCRF, one of the most esteemed breast cancer research organizations in the U.S.
BCRF President and CEO Donna McKay commented on the donation, stating, “We are so grateful to Jersey Mike’s for their incredible work in galvanizing their national network to support breast cancer research. The authentic commitment across the board—from the Jersey Mike’s leadership team to their franchise owners and customers—represent the power of community. By supporting the largest private funder of breast cancer research in the world, and by offering BCRF a potent media platform to share sensitive and thoughtful storytelling, Jersey Mike’s has made a substantial impact on fueling lifesaving breakthroughs and highlighting the critical need to accelerate research.”
Because of targeted research efforts, breast cancer deaths have dwindled by 43% since BCRF’s inception in 1993. The hope is that donations and awareness will result in more life-saving research and fewer women being diagnosed with breast cancer.
Go to the link to read more about BCRF’s progress in the fight against breast cancer: https://www.bcrf.org/progress/
Wyndham Expands Support for Diverse Hotel Owners with Accelerator Circle
Wyndham Hotels & Resorts has launched the Accelerator Circle initiative to enhance support for Black Owners and Lodging Developers (BOLD) and Women Own the Room franchisees. The program offers exclusive access to Wyndham’s network of seasoned hotel owners and industry experts through quarterly virtual sessions. The goal is to minimize the barriers minority hotel entrepreneurs face when opening their hotels and enhance performance by fostering a collaborative community for diverse hoteliers. The sessions will provide franchisees with valuable mentorship and networking opportunities.
Wyndham’s Vice President of Strategic Franchise Initiatives, Galen Barrett, said, “Navigating hotel ownership isn't easy, with many owners facing the same challenges over and over. Wyndham's Accelerator Circle connects a dynamic community for Black and women entrepreneurs who haven't always had the support of our industry. It's a space for owners to exchange knowledge, learn from seasoned pros, and the expected result. A more diverse industry with a new wave of empowered, savvy owners.”
BOLD and Women Own the Room initiatives have already led to more than 90 hotel deals owned by women and black entrepreneurs, with over 20 properties currently in operation. As part of the inaugural Accelerator Circle session during the fall, WaterWalk CEO Mimi Oliver will speak about how to optimize relationships with franchisors. Accelerator Circle sessions will provide valuable training on essential hotel topics, including securing financing for the purchase of a hotel, hotel development, renovations, and hotel operations. Industry professionals like Oliver will lead the sessions.
Learn more about Accelerator Circle here: https://development.wyndhamhotels.com/accelerator-circle/?utm_source=direct&utm_medium=website&utm_campaign=pr-news_lodging
Instacart Enhances the Customer Experience with Gamified Caper Carts and Personalized Savings
Instacart is introducing new features on its AI-powered Caper Carts to enhance the grocery shopping experience. The updated capabilities include location-based coupons, gamified quests, and aisle-aware advertising designed to provide customers with personalized rewards and savings. Shoppers can now participate in mini-games like treasure hunts for flash deals, coupons, and credits by completing tasks while browsing the aisles. The new tools are being introduced in partnership with major retailers like Wakefern and Schnucks, along with popular brands PepsiCo and General Mills.
Instacart Connected Stores Officer David McIntosh stated, “Caper Carts are ushering in a new era at the grocery store – making shopping more delightful while delivering a seamless experience for customers, retailers, and brands. Over the last six months, we’ve nearly quadrupled our Caper Cart footprint and plan to reach thousands of carts live in stores in the coming months. For more than a decade, we’ve worked with grocers of all sizes to provide them with the technologies they need to serve their customers. With Caper Cart’s digital screen, we’re now delivering an unmatched omnichannel experience for retailers and brands in-store. Today’s news is further proof of how we’re truly transforming grocery shopping from a chore to a fun adventure, giving customers a one-of-a-kind, interactive experience in every aisle of the grocery store.”
The Caper Carts now also offer location-based coupons, alerting customers to relevant deals as they move through the store. For example, a shopper might receive a muffin discount while shopping in the bakery aisle. Instacart has enhanced its couponing system, with more than 40% of Caper Cart users actively clipping coupons, saving consumers more than $2 billion from 2022 to 2023. These features are expected to make shopping more convenient, helping customers discover new products and stay within budget. A recent Instacart survey highlighted that 83% of consumers are interested in using smart carts to help them stay within budget and save money. Meanwhile, 50% are receptive to using AI to discover the best deals.
Unlock the complete insights of the survey here: https://www.instacart.com/company/updates/instacart-insights-caper-carts-rolling-into-an-aisle-near-you/
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Original Article Links:
Jersey Mike's Subs Raises $4.4 Million To Support The Breast Cancer Research Foundation
Wyndham Debuts Accelerator Circle; Strengthens Community Connections for Diverse Hoteliers
Instacart Launches New Gamified Capabilities Maximizing In-Store Rewards and Savings on Caper Carts