Loyalty and Rewards
Cruise Line Expands Loyalty Program with New Rewards
Seabourn, the world’s finest ultra-luxury cruise line and one of nine cruise lines owned by Carnival Corporation, has announced an improved loyalty program for repeat cruisers. There are more than five-dozen rewards available to guests altogether: From “Onboard” amenities such as complimentary internet and telephone service, savings on shore excursions, premium wine & spirits, spa credits, and disembarkation/embarkation transfers, to “At Home” amenities such as complimentary magazine subscriptions, branded luggage tags, and savings on luggage shipping services – there is something for every member to enjoy. The most popular Seabourn Club reward by far is a Milestone Cruise Award, including a complimentary cruise up to seven days redeemable at 140 Sailed Days, or a complimentary cruise up to 14 days redeemable at 250 Sailed Days.
Capital One Rewards Will Soon Be Redeemable Via Amazon.com
Capital One is joining American Express, Chase, Citi and Discover in allowing eligible cardholders to redeem rewards to pay for Amazon.com purchases. The issuer didn’t offer a launch date for its Amazon Shop With Points feature but said it would happen “in the coming weeks.” It will allow select Capital One cardholders to redeem rewards in any amount to pay for an entire purchase, or simply to offset part of the cost.
Retail
Millennials Most Likely to Outspend Other Generations This Holiday Season
Over a third of millennials plan to spend more money this holiday season compared to last year, and they will likely outspend other generations this gift-giving season, according to Discover’s annual Holiday Shopping Survey. Millennials say higher income and more people on their shopping list are two reasons for their boost in spending. And they also will overwhelmingly use their mobile devices to shop. Results from the survey, which polled Generation Z, millennials, Generation X and baby boomers on their previous holiday shopping habits and upcoming plans to purchase, also show that 35 percent of millennials said they would spend more this holiday season than last. Following them are 26 percent of Gen Z, 23 percent of Gen X and 16 percent of baby boomers.
Innovation
Taco Bell is launching chicken tenders in a move to compete with Popeyes and Chick-fil-A
Taco Bell has a new menu item that puts it in competition with chicken chains like Chick-fil-A and Popeyes. Taco Bell said it would begin testing its new crispy tortilla chicken tenders in Houston, Texas, and Dayton, Ohio, before launching the menu item nationally next year. Taco Bell said it tested more than 100 versions of the chicken tenders before deciding on the final recipe. Many fast-food chains are trying to find innovative ways to serve up chicken — whether it's between two Popeyes buns, dunked in Chick-fil-A sauce, or dripping in Nashville hot oil — and Taco Bell is no exception.
Voice of the Customer
Apple pulls all customer reviews from online Apple Store
On November 17, Apple removed the "Ratings & Reviews" section from all product pages on the Apple website. It is currently unclear what has prompted this decision, nor when Apple will bring back the option to read the opinions of other customers at the time of purchase. Apple had been known for leaving up even especially negative reviews, which demonstrated both transparency and integrity to their customers.