Target's Free Loyalty Program Nears 80M Members 1 Year After Launch
Retail Dive magazine says Target began testing its free loyalty program in March 2018, in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, before expanding it to more cities in early in 2019. By the time the company announced a nationwide rollout last fall, Target Circle had more than two million members.
That means membership over the course of the year spiked well over 70 million and now encompasses a big chunk of the U.S. population, who are clearly spending at Target given the rewards.
Customers have also directed $7 million to more than 2,500 nonprofit organizations through the program, which allows consumers to vote on the retailer's charitable initiatives.
Frito-Lay Says More Snacking and Online Purchasing Expected for Holiday 2020
As the holidays approach, consumers are expecting their celebrations to look different compared to last year, with half planning to shop for their holiday groceries through an online retailer, up from just 15 percent in 2019, and the majority of consumers – 63 percent – planning to use cooking at home as a way to stay entertained in the coming months.
Frito-Lay, maker of many of America's favorite snack foods, today announced the latest edition of its U.S. Snack Index survey1, revealing how shopping, cooking and snacking trends have changed this year, and what's expected to have a lasting impact in 2021 and beyond.
"Consumers have shifted their behavior with 58 percent snacking more since COVID-19, and shopping through new channels with online adoption up 40 percent," says Mike Del Pozzo, senior vice president of sales and chief customer officer, Frito-Lay North America. "This holiday season we expect to see more small gatherings and a move away from potlucks, which means more families purchasing the whole meal. In fact, 13 percent expect to spend more on groceries for Thanksgiving this year, so the importance of offering variety and accessibility of America's favorite snacks is a priority for Frito-Lay this holiday season."
Wendy's Returns Two Promotions to Support National Adoption Month this November
In celebration of National Adoption Month, Wendy's is launching two signature promotions to benefit the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption (DTFA). As a cornerstone cause for the Company, Wendy's is supporting the Foundation's mission by launching its annual Frosty Key Tag fundraising program and partnering with Coca-Cola and Dr Pepper on a drink promotion in the Wendy's mobile app where fans can get something and give something back at the same time.
Through its signature program, Wendy's Wonderful Kids, the DTFA serves youth who are most at risk of aging out of foster care without a family, including teenagers, children with special needs and siblings. In partnership with child welfare advocates, policymakers and adoption professionals, the DTFA has helped find permanent, loving homes for nearly 10,000 children in foster care and counting.
"At Wendy's, we continue to honor our founder's legacy throughout this special month," says Carl Loredo, U.S. Chief Marketing Officer for The Wendy's Company. "By partnering with our suppliers and customers we aim to create a movement of awareness and giving to support children in foster care who deserve permanent and loving forever families."
Bed Bath & Beyond Completes Sale Of Christmas Tree Shops and Linen Holdings
Bed Bath & Beyond Inc. announced the completion of the sale of its Christmas Tree Shops retail banner, its institutional Linen Holdings business and a distribution center located in Florence, NJ. Total cash proceeds from the three separate sale agreements were approximately $250 million.
Mark Tritton, President and Chief Executive Officer said, "The timely completion of these transactions represents another important milestone in our comprehensive plan to simplify our portfolio, unlock the potential of our business and extend our authority in the Home, Baby, Beauty and Wellness markets. We will continue to optimize our portfolio, including the potential sale of additional non-core assets. Since joining Bed Bath & Beyond a little over a year ago, our team has created greater financial flexibility and strategic focus through the divestiture of non-core assets and banners, generating over $750 million to re-invest in our digital-first, omni-always transformation and drive strong and sustainable total shareholder return."
AutoNation Partners with Tyler Robinson Foundation, Nevada Childhood Cancer Foundation
AutoNation, an automotive retailer, announced that it is launching the inaugural "Twelve Cars of Christmas" DRV PNK Holiday Parade to provide a memorable holiday to families with children who are battling cancer and other serious illnesses.
The event is in partnership with Tyler Robinson Foundation (TRF), the nonprofit organization of the GRAMMY Award-winning band Imagine Dragons dedicated to supporting children battling childhood cancer, and Nevada Childhood Cancer Foundation which offers 40+ services to diagnosed children and their families. AutoNation has a long track record of supporting communities, most notably through its DRV PNK Mission which has raised almost $26 Million to help drive out cancer.
"When a child is diagnosed with cancer, the whole family is affected,” says Louise Evans, General Manager of VW AutoNation in Las Vegas. “Holding a pink parade is the perfect way to deliver joy to families in a safe way. Each of the 12 vehicles in the parade will have something special for each of the families."