Programs
Lyft Bids for Customer Loyalty with New Subscription Deal
The ride-hailing service has launched a premium loyalty program. “For about $20 a month, Lyft Pink subscribers will get: 15 percent off all car rides; three free 30-minute bike and scooter rides; priority pickups at airports; waived lost and found fees; other promotions, upgrades, and special perks.”
Customer Experience
Kroger Launches Package Delivery Service
The retailer is piloting a package pickup and delivery service. “The program, to be called Kroger Package Services, will take delivery of packages from FedEx, UPS and the Postal Service at Kroger stores and store them in a secure place for customer pickup, Business Insider reported. It will also enable customers to drop off packages to be delivered through those companies. Customers can print shipping labels at self-service kiosks.”
Nearly Half of All Gifts to Be Purchased via Amazon this Holiday Season
According to data from Episerver, “42 percent of online shoppers [are] expecting to purchase all or most of their gifts via the marketplace this year.” Episerver noted that “despite Amazon’s status as a top destination for gift buying, survey data suggests its lacking in areas retailers can capitalize.”
Walgreens to Open More “Small Stores” in Big US Cities
The retailer “is developing more than 30 ‘small store’ pharmacies largely in urban areas that the chain says will have a health and wellness focus in the location’s front end. As Walgreens examines its future real estate needs and sheds costs and corporate jobs to be more competitive in the future, look for smaller stores that the retailer will open ‘in the big cities,’ company executives disclosed this week.”
Corporate Social Responsibility
Coke, Pepsi, KDP Announce Sustainability Initiative
The Coca-Cola Company, Keurig Dr Pepper, and PepsiCo have announced “the launch of Every Bottle Back, a sustainability initiative in conjunction with World Wildlife Fund (WWF), The Recycling Partnership, and Closed Loop Partners. The new initiative, spearheaded by the industry trade group American Beverage Association, is intended to improve the circular plastics economy and raise consumer awareness about the importance of recycling plastic bottles.”