Programs
H&M Launches Exclusive Music Offering to Bolster Loyalty Program
The retailer has launched a music partnership that will support independent musicians and raise awareness for its loyalty program. “Through the H&M app, shoppers can delight in perks that membership points bring, like exclusive discounts, rewards, and access to VIP events. Sitting within its membership digital loyalty program, H&M Music will work similarly, providing members with the opportunity to discover new artists and to access exclusive live events.”
Customer Experience
Samsung Made a Concert Stage Optimized for Your Phone
The phone-maker held a concert in London that featured a cellphone-video-friendly vertical stage. “The concert was part of Samsung’s grand opening of its new King’s Cross store and ‘experience’ in London. About 2,000 people were at the show, watching it happen on a stage that stood almost 30-feet high. Samsung worked with the agency Iris on the concert concept, which came out of research that’s found 94 percent of smartphone users are now engaging with their devices vertically, and 79 percent find vertical videos the most interesting.”
Spirit Airlines Adds Comfier Seats (Even in the Middle)
Known for being budget-friendly and without frills, Spirit is altering its approach and improving its customer experience with more comfortable seats. “The airline on Monday introduced contoured seats it said have more ‘usable’ legroom, a thicker seat cushion, and for travelers stuck in the middle, an extra inch of width. Spirit’s seats don’t recline but come with a pre-recline, and that pre-recline will grow nearly an inch, [and] more in the exit rows, the airline said.”
Blaze Pizza Is Ready to Take on Domino’s Pizza and Public Markets
Blaze Pizza Co-Founder Rick Wetzel has stated that is ready to compete with the leading pizza QSRs. “Wetzel says finally serving large pizzas that cater to families and dialing up mobile ordering are some of the last key building blocks needed to mount a serious challenge to the Big 3 in fast-food pizza: Domino’s, Papa John’s, and Pizza Hut. Since Blaze Pizza was founded in 2011, it has mostly focused on a dine-in experience where people come into the store and order in a queue similar to burrito giant Chipotle.”
Employee Engagement
California Senate Passes a Gig Economy Bill That Could Transform Uber and Lyft
A bill in California, AB-5, may lead to a decline in the gig economy. “Many online labor platforms have said they consider the independent contractor relationship key to their business model. Providing benefits and rights to which an employee would be entitled can be costly. The companies say independent contractor status gives drivers the freedom to set their own schedules and work for multiple companies at the same time.”