Loyalty-card startups give merchants a reason to ignore Groupon
Skift Take
The startups make the difference between flash sale sites and loyalty programs clear: One's just about the deal, the other's about building a loyal clientele.
New York City baker Eileen Avezzano says she has a better way than Groupon Inc. (GRPN) (GRPN)’s online deals to entice customers to buy her cheesecakes again: She doles out loyalty cards that reward buyers for return visits.
The cards, designed by Cartera Commerce Inc., are digital instead of physical, and are linked to credit cards consumers already use. They let merchants provide a discount, or a reward such as airline miles, every time consumers buy. A shopper may swipe a card, and a retailer will automatically deduct some money off the bill.
Up Next
Business Travel
The State of Corporate Travel and Expense 2025
A new report explores how for travel and finance managers are targeting enhanced ROI, new opportunities, greater efficiencies, time and money savings, and better experiences for employees with innovative travel and expense management solutions.
Sponsored 
Short-Term Rentals
Vacasa Founder Brings Gig Economy Model to New Startup
Fairly founder and CEO Eric Breon is getting a do-over of sorts when it comes to what he helped build earlier as the founder and CEO of Vacasa. The test will be whether he can scale Fairly's business and make it more responsive to the needs of homeowners and guests.
Hotels
Sandals Resorts to Launch Ad Blitz and Brand Overhaul: ‘Made of Caribbean’
Now that all the big hotel chains are muscling into the all-inclusive space, Sandals aims to stand out by reminding travelers of its Caribbean roots.
Experiences
How Gen AI Is Enhancing Guest and Employee Experiences in Hospitality
Generative AI is transforming hospitality with personalized guest experiences, optimized workforce management, and operational efficiency. Through smart rooms, predictive maintenance, and AI-driven tools like chatbots, hotels are elevating service while supporting staff.
Sponsored 
Tourism
After Overtourism: Pivoting from Traveler-Shaming to Systemic Solutions
Climate-conscious travel doesn’t mean giving up travel; it means evolving it. Climate tech has the same potential – its influence would go beyond incrementally greening individual choices, instead reshaping the entire operational system.