For years, retail loyalty programs have relied on discounts to keep customers engaged. But today’s consumers want more. With brand loyalty on the decline, retailers must rethink their approach—and travel rewards could be the game-changer.
Arrivia’s latest study, Travel Rewards in Retail: An Overlooked Strategy for Building Stronger Loyalty, surveyed over 1,000 U.S. consumers to examine the impact of incorporating travel-based incentives in retail loyalty programs, revealing highly effective strategies for retailers to enhance the value of their loyalty programs.
The report outlines how travel rewards, a once underutilized strategy in retail, create stronger emotional connections with consumers that outperform traditional discounts, making them a powerful tool for building meaningful, experience-driven loyalty programs.. It also identifies the retail categories where travel incentives have the greatest potential to drive impact, offering insights into where brands can achieve the highest returns. Additionally, the findings highlight the importance of personalization in loyalty strategies, showing how tailored travel rewards can deliver measurable results.
Key findings include:
- 49% of consumers are more likely to engage with loyalty programs that offer travel rewards.
- 89% of luggage buyers and 66% of outdoor enthusiasts are highly likely to use travel rewards.
- 63% of Millennials and 60% of Gen Z express strong interest in travel rewards, making them prime audiences for retail loyalty programs.
- 39% of families with children value flexible payment options, compared to 26% of the general population.
The future of retail loyalty lies beyond discounts. By integrating travel rewards, retailers can strengthen customer relationships, increase program participation, and drive more revenue opportunities. As competition for customer loyalty intensifies, brands that evolve their strategies will stand out—and those that don’t risk being left behind.
Get the full report to explore how travel rewards can redefine retail loyalty.
Download Travel Rewards in Retail: An Overlooked Strategy for Building Stronger Loyalty here.
