Programs
Parkland Announces Launch of New Journie Rewards
The c-store chain has announced “that it is launching Journie, a nationwide rewards and customer loyalty program with CIBC as its strategic banking partner. Journie will offer Canadians compelling fuel savings and merchandise offers and will launch in select Ontario, British Columbia, and Quebec markets this fall with a full national rollout in early 2020.”
GNC Personalizes Health—Via Subscription
General Nutrition Center has launched a premium loyalty program. “Known as GNC4U, the service delivers vitamins and supplements specifically recommended based on individual health needs and lifestyle goals. Based on an individual’s age, gender, and personal and family health history, GNC will create a science-backed wellness plan curated with vitamins and supplements.”
Customer Experience
Outback Steakhouse Wants to Know If AI Tech Can Help Improve Customer Service
The restaurant chain “is piloting machine learning technology from Presto at several restaurants operated by one of its franchisees, Evergreen Restaurant Group. Cameras, discreetly placed in the lobby, capture hosts, waiters, and customers and analyze their interactions to improve customer satisfaction. The technology can track long wait times, the cleanliness of lobbies, and the number of customers who leave without being seated or greeted.”
Walmart and Mattel Lease “Floors” in a Virtual Toy Store Run on Interactive Video
The retailer and toy brand “are trying out interactive video to market and sell toys ranging from Barbie to a castle based on the forthcoming movie Frozen 2. Both companies are ‘leasing floors’ in a new virtual store called KidHQ, which lets users browse toys and merchandise in videos with various choose-your-own-adventure formats.”
Venmo Will Launch Its First Credit Card in 2020
Venmo has announced “that it’s launching a credit card in partnership with Synchrony. The card should be ready in the second half of 2020, and users will be able to apply for, use, and manage it through the Venmo app. Cardholders will get real-time, granular alerts and be able to easily split and share purchases.”