Loyalty programs: Current insights, research challenges, and emerging trends

Abstract

To foster customer relationships, firms have implemented so-called loyalty programs (LPs). These programs provide monetary benefits (e.g. through direct discounts or rewards) and/or more soft benefits by focusing on creating commitment to the firm among customers through excellent service or giving special treatment to customers. In this chapter, we present a framework of three mechanisms underlying the LP effect. Next, we incorporate a discussion of relatively under-researched areas, such as reward redemption effects and so-called short-term LPs. We discuss models that can be used to examine LP effects and to analyze customer data to support marketing decisions. Finally, we provide a discussion on emerging topics in LPs, specifically addressing increasing digitalization, empowered customers, and the prevalence of big data. We conclude with a discussion on some pressing research questions.