when these programs are integrated into the customer s everyday routine they can cultivate true brand loyalty often customers get invested in the program and they will stick to a hotel store restaurant credit card or airline because of points or rewards they ve accrued in its loyalty program more than anything else 
retail loyalty programs can trace their roots to the stamp or boxtop collection and redemption programs that date back to the 1890s however the modern model was born with airlines frequent flyer programs american airlines s aadvantage launched in 1981 was the first united airlines s mileage plus debuted shortly afterward 12example of a loyalty programloyalty programs like everything else have joined the digital age interestingly they are incorporating tech not just as a means of purchasing things to get rewards but as a source of rewards themselves urging patrons to text or instagram photos for points or offering a discount if they shop via the merchant s new app the starbucks sbux rewards program remains the default case study of how a brand can retain customers through interactive offers the app operates much like any other rewards program in that customers earn points called stars to use for future coffee purchases 3it differentiates itself from other loyalty systems by providing customers with a convenient way to order ahead pay in store and even access exclusive music playlists for the most part the app solidifies starbucks as a basic necessity for every coffee drinker if you add funds via the app onto your digital rewards card you ll earn stars twice as fast starbucks says 3loyalty program alternativesloyalty programs aren t the only way to win customers allegiance retailers like costco cost and amazon amzn have achieved great customer loyalty through membership programs 45even though they carry an out of pocket cost many shoppers happily pay the annual fees to access the variety of products free shipping in amazon s case and other perks and privileges offered by the two retailers and for those who take advantage of all the available services included in a membership the benefits can often outweigh the costs 54