Target’s Integration with Apple CarPlay Enhances Customer Experience
Target Corporation introduced a new technology feature that integrates Apple’s CarPlay into its curbside order service, allowing iPhone users to access Target’s Drive Up and Pickup services from their vehicles. The hands-free experience is designed to save time and simplify the order and pickup process.
“The introduction of the Drive Up feature in the Target app with Apple CarPlay is a win for our guests and a win for our team as we make it even easier to find a store and complete your Target run,” said Mark Schindele, Chief Stores Officer at Target. “No matter how guests choose to shop with us—in-store, online, or using our same-day services—they can expect us to deliver innovative touches that make everyday moments even better.”
The new function on the Target app automatically shows the store where the purchase was made on the car’s display screen. Customers can get driving directions, review order details, and alert the store of their arrival or when they’re on their way.
Learn more about Apple CarPlay here.
Kohl’s Drives Customer Engagement with Launch of Family-First Platform
Kohl’s introduced a new platform called “Where Families Come First” to connect with customers while spotlighting cherished family moments. The platform emphasizes the retailer’s commitment to providing “unmatched value” and improved products for life’s milestones. The first campaign, “When Life Gets Real, Start Here,” will launch this fall and focus on showcasing Kohl’s products through relatable, everyday family experiences rather than polished, idealized versions. The campaign will be featured across television, print, social media, and other digital channels.
In a statement from the brand, Kohl’s Chief Marketing Officer Christie Raymond reported, “With our new platform, we have an opportunity to emotionally connect with new and existing customers, including families in all of their forms, and get them excited about the changes we’re making. Today’s family is inundated with images of perfection across media channels, so we wanted to flip the script and bring authenticity to our marketing and storytelling that shows real moments.”
Kohl’s is leveraging its relationships with celebrity partners to showcase the products they use in their daily lives. Kohl’s is also introducing new collections from Aéropostale and Madden Girl and bringing back Limited Too. Kohl’s also plans to roll out Babies R Us shop-in-shops across 200 stores.
Check out this Kohl’s Where Families Come First YouTube video.
Royal Caribbean Group Enhances Loyalty Program with Cross-Brand Loyalty Status Match
Royal Caribbean Group implemented a major update to how it recognizes loyalty program members across its three brands: Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises, and Silversea. While each cruise line has its separate loyalty program, passengers can now enjoy a status match across all three brands, allowing those who have earned a high level on one line to carry that status to the others.
The cruise line reports that “Members of Crown & Anchor Society, Captain’s Club, and Venetian Society are now eligible to receive one-for-one status match across all three brands after enrolling in each program…When sailing on each sister brand, guests can enjoy the onboard benefits offered by each brand for their equivalent tier status.”
Although there has been some confusion regarding the changes, the new change is an improvement to the previous status-matching program, which only matched the lowest top-tier level across brands. Now, members at the highest levels, such as Royal Caribbean’s Pinnacle, Celebrity’s Zenith, and Silversea’s 500 Venetian Society Days, will see their loyalty status mirrored across sister cruise lines. However, while the status matches, the specific perks tied to each loyalty level remain brand-specific. This means that even though passengers may hold an equivalent status, the benefits they receive will differ based on the cruise line they sail with.
Learn about Royal Caribbean’s Crown & Anchor Society loyalty program here.
Original Article Links:
Target Using Apple CarPlay to Make Order Pickup Even Easier
Kohl’s launches family-focused brand platform
Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises share loyalty program change