Lancome Wins Big With Elite Rewards Loyalty Program

L’Oreal’s brand Lancome’s Elite Rewards loyalty program saw 60 percent of its members performing at least one action, such as shopping or connecting to the brand on social media sites, per month. Using the CrowdTwist customer relations management technology platform, the program also recorded an increase in monthly customer sign-ups of more than 40 percent. Lancome said it aims to focus on connecting with consumers via social media and promote its loyalty program, with the beauty brand awarding 25 points to members who connect their account to the company’s Facebook, Twitter, and other social media accounts. For every dollar they spend online, Elite Rewards members get 10 points. They can also win minor rewards by watching branded videos or participating in email and direct mail programs.

"Lancome Is Getting a 60% Monthly Action Rate With New Loyalty Program", Adweek, August 06, 2014

Amazon Unit Zappos Tests Digital Shopping Assistant

Online retailer Zappos, a division of Amazon, is testing its Ask Zappos customer service. Designed to function as a personal shopping assistant, the service takes requests by processing images and looks for the product even if the retailer does not carry it. Ask Zappos allows customers to send images via Instagram or by a text message. It then returns a list of links to shopping sites.

"Zappos' New Secret Weapon: Personal Shopping ", Inc., July 28, 2014

Men More Likely Than Women To Shop Online, Study Reveals

In the United States, 40 percent of men 18–34 years old said they prefer to purchase online, according to the results of market research firm BI Intelligence’s analysis of findings by other research firms, including comScore and SeeWhy. Although women are perceived to control up to 85 percent of household spending in the country, results showed men account for online spending almost as much as women do. Data also showed 22 percent of men made online purchases using their smartphones in 2013, while only 18 percent of women said they did. Also, 20 percent of men used their tablets to buy online, while only 17 percent of women did. BI Intelligence also said 43 percent of men aged 18–24 usually shopped at online auction sites, such as eBay, compared with 31 percent of women.

"Men are more likely to shop online", Warc, August 08, 2014

Walmart Canada's Free Shipping Offer For Online Buyers Redefines Market

Walmart Canada’s launch of free shipping service for all online purchases in 2013 signaled the company’s resolve to expand its online retail business and compete with other retailers in the country. With its ability to offer free shipping to 97 percent of the country, Walmart enjoys a huge advantage over its smaller rivals, which are likely to find it hard to absorb shipping costs. Walmart Canada’s now offers 175,000 items and counts about 400,000 visitors a day. Also, the company plans to launch its click and collect service, which will allow Ontario customers to buy online and pick up items from lockers at designated stores or at the retailer’s headquarters.

"Free shipping may be the new normal as competition heats up", The Globe and Mail, August 04, 2014

Tesco Launches Word-Of-Mouth Campaign For Direct Product Line In UK

Tesco partnered with social selling technology firm Buyapowa to launch a word-of-mouth social selling campaign for its Direct lineup of products in the UK. Leveraging its previous experience in social selling with its grocery business, Tesco aims to use the campaign to let customers avail themselves of deals and rewards from pre-orders of newest video games, such as potential game of the year Destiny. Prizes, including free games, merchandise, and bonus content, will also be offered for shoppers with the most number of referrals. A winner of Garner Cool Vendor commendation, Buyapowa’s technology enables brands to engage and reward customers.

"Tesco launches social selling campaign with social technology platform Buyapowa", Retail Times, August 05, 2014

Walmart Adds Personalization Features To Its Online Store

Walmart added several new features to its website designed to enhance the online store’s personalization options. As part of the forthcoming redesign of the online store, the website’s homepage will include updates on local weather and events depending on the customer’s location. Also, the retailer plans to reduce the number of web pages included in the online checkout process.

"Walmart follows in Amazon’s footsteps and introduces personalisation to website", The Drum, August 04, 2014