Loyalty Programs
Club Publix Looks to Meet Customer Desires for a Personalized Experience
To create a more convenient and rewarding shopping experience for its customers, Publix has launched its first personalized membership program, Club Publix. The free loyalty program bundles together several digital benefits, including early notifications sales, the ability to pay with a simple scan of the Publix app, and the option to receive e-receipts. Club Publix adds personalization to these digital features with exclusive member perks and personalized content. Current publix.com account holders will automatically be enrolled in the program and can immediately take advantage of these benefits. Others can quickly sign up for the new program through Publix’ website, mobile app, or text message.
Retail
JLL Shares Research on Increase of Service-Based Retailers
If you have ever thought that your neighborship strip center is transforming in front of your eyes, you’re not imagining things. The number of service-based retailers — a category that includes gyms, nail salons, and entertainment venues — surged 20.5 percent from 2002 to 2017, totaling 1.2 million spaces, a new report from commercial real estate services firm JLL found. Retailers selling goods fell 4.5 percent to 1.1 million shops during the period. Taking those shifts into account, service tenants now make up 52.6 percent of America’s retail space, while companies focused on selling goods account for 47.4 percent of space, JLL said. However, some retailers are experimenting with temporary formats or pop-up shops, JLL’s Cook added. More brands are finding it beneficial to open a space for a limited period to test a market or a new product, without committing to a long-term lease.
Customer Experience
Bring Home Bojangles Bracket Challenge Invites Hungry Cities Across America to Compete for Week-Long Food Truck Visit
May the hungriest city win! Sixteen U.S. cities tipped off this week in the first-ever Bring Home Bojangles Bracket Challenge to find out which one wins a visit from Bojangles, the famous Southern chain, most well known for their made-from-scratch buttermilk biscuits, chicken, seasoned fries and Legendary Iced Tea. “We hear every day from fans all across the country who crave our real deal Southern flavor but don’t have a restaurant within driving distance,” said Jackie Woodward, chief marketing officer for Bojangles. “This is their chance to have us serve up delicious Southern food in their city.” At the end of the challenge, the city with the most votes will win a one-week visit a Bojangles food truck, which will give away free food for a limited time and offer some of Bojangles’ signature menu items.
Quick-Service Restaurants Serve Up Snacks to Feed Changing Customer Demands
QSR brands have taken note to customers’ packed schedules and the need for occasional quick and easy food options. In response, many have adapted to changing preferences by increasing focus on snackable food options. For example, Auntie Anne’s says that snacking has become so popular, the brand sells more pretzel nuggets than it does full-size pretzels. “[Customers] want a snack that is convenient, that you can eat with one hand,” says Auntie Anne’s VP of Marketing, Marcel Nahm. Customers also desire snacks that are shareable and not messy, he adds. Portability is a critical factor for customers, as many today as always “on the go” and in search of easy options to fit any mood. “People snack before meals, after meals, and instead of meals, which is why we love the place we’re in,” he says. “Now it seems like everybody wants to be in the snack business.”
Employee Engagement
Darden Restaurants Offering Paid Sick Leave for All Employees
Darden Restaurants announced this week that it is providing paid sick leave for all hourly workers across its restaurant chains in response to the COVID-19 outbreak. Darden Restaurants in the parent company for several chains including Olive Garden, Longhorn Steakhouse, The Capital Grille, Eddie V’s, Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen, Yard House, Seasons 52 and Bahama Breeze. Restaurant employees will accrue one hour of sick leave for every 30 worked, and the pay rate will be based on the worker’s 13-week average. Current employees can use the benefit immediately, and their starting balance is based on their most recent 26 weeks of work. New hires, who will begin accruing paid sick leave as soon as they start, can use it after 90 days of employment.