Dive Brief:
- Pony Express, a Nebraska-based convenience store chain, has launched the Pony Express Rewards app using Liquid Barcode’s platform, the tech company announced last week.
- The app, which is live now, includes Pony Express’ points-based loyalty program, a rewards shop where customers can redeem their points, daily games and club cards, according to the announcement.
- Loyalty apps have been in focus for the convenience retail industry this year, with companies of all sizes introducing or updating their programs.
Dive Insight:
Customers at Pony Express’ three locations in Iowa and Nebraska can earn 10 points for every $1 spent in store, five points per gallon of fuel purchased and eight points per $1 spent on tobacco products. They can also win points and other prizes via daily games. Those points can be redeemed for free items or coupons.
"Every time a customer fills up or steps into one of Pony Express stores, we want that visit to feel like it's worth something extra," said Nicolette Mayfield, senior manager for retail operations with Pony Express. “With Liquid Barcodes, we found a partner that could cover all of our loyalty needs with their full-service platform, and we are thrilled with the upgraded look and feel of our app.”
The program also offers beverage club cards which have a buy-10-get-one-free offer on coffees and energy drinks and buy-five-get-one-free on fountain drinks.
Retailers’ growing focus on loyalty programs underscores consumers’ increasingly being pressured by higher prices. Fuel costs remain elevated compared to last year, with diesel recently hitting record prices, and overall inflation has been higher than 3% every month since March, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
