Decades ago, restaurants and businesses figured out the importance of loyalty. In fact, while we often associate loyalty programs with digital apps and plastic cards, the concept was pioneered long before these technologies existed. Research suggests that the first modern loyalty programs date back to the 18th century, when a New Hampshire merchant began rewarding customers with “copper tokens,” according to The New York Times. While the technology has changed, the underlying psychology remains the same ...

Core Insights - The restaurant sector has experienced a mixed performance in 2023, with consumers increasingly seeking value in their dining choices [1][2] - Fast casual and quick service restaurants have faced significant losses, while some fast food brands have performed better [3][4] Performance Overview - Fast casual brands like Cava, Shake Shack, Chipotle, and Sweet Green have seen major pullbacks, with Sweet Green down approximately 80% year-to-date [3] - In contrast, fast food chains such as McDonald's, Yum Brands, and Domino's have fared better, with McDonald's and Yum Brands showing slight increases [1][3] Key Trends - Value offerings are becoming crucial in fast food, exemplified by McDonald's recent adjustments to its franchisee standards [4] - Fast casual restaurants are attempting to regain consumer interest through new menu items, such as Chipotle's protein and GLP1-friendly options [5] - Loyalty programs are gaining focus as they provide valuable consumer data and targeted marketing opportunities in a competitive landscape [5] Investment Sentiment - There is skepticism about the profitability of restaurant stocks, with some analysts suggesting that value-oriented chains like Chili's and Darden may be more appealing [6][7] - McDonald's is highlighted as a strong stock, while Shake Shack is noted for its significant decline, making it a potential trading opportunity [8]

Core Insights - Fast-casual restaurants like Chipotle, Cava, and Sweetgreen are experiencing a decline in customer traffic, particularly among younger consumers due to economic pressures such as food inflation and job insecurity [2][3] Industry Trends - Nearly 40% of consumers perceive fast-casual dining as too expensive, which aligns with Chipotle's efforts to combat the perception of high menu prices [2] - The fast-casual segment is seeing a shift in consumer behavior, with younger diners becoming more cautious about discretionary spending, leading to fewer weekday lunch visits [3] Company Strategies - Chipotle has shifted its focus towards loyalty programs and promotions to attract customers, with two-thirds of consumers indicating that promotions influence their dining decisions [3][4] - In October, Chipotle launched a month-long rewards program and special promotions, including a Halloween offer for customers in costume, to drive traffic and engagement [5]

Core Insights - Bilt has partnered with Rakuten to allow its members to earn points for online shopping across thousands of retailers, enhancing the value of its loyalty program [1][5]. Group 1: Partnership Details - The partnership enables Bilt's over 5 million members to earn Bilt points while shopping through Rakuten's platform, which includes more than 3,500 retailers [5][10]. - Bilt points can be redeemed for various rewards, including travel, fitness classes, and local dining [2][6]. Group 2: Points Value and Conversion - Each Bilt point is valued at approximately 2.2 cents, significantly higher than the typical 1 cent offered by other loyalty programs [7]. - Starting immediately, Bilt members will receive a 1:1 conversion rate when shopping through Rakuten, meaning $10 in Rakuten cash back translates to 1,000 Bilt points [7][9]. Group 3: Promotional Offers - Bilt members who register for Rakuten through the Bilt app can earn 2,500 bonus points after their first purchase of $25 or more [8][11]. - The partnership coincides with Rakuten's holiday event, which runs until November 10, offering additional cash back or Bilt points on various vendors [11][12].

Core Insights - Booking Holdings (BKNG) reported Q3 2025 earnings of $99.5 per share, exceeding Zacks Consensus Estimate by 3.6% and reflecting an 18.6% year-over-year increase [1] - Revenues reached $9.01 billion, surpassing Zacks Consensus Estimate by 3.12%, marking a 12.7% year-over-year growth and approximately 8% on a constant currency basis [1] - The growth in revenues exceeded the high end of company guidance by 4 percentage points, aligning with strong performance in gross bookings [1] Revenue Breakdown - Revenues as a percentage of gross bookings were 18.1%, down about 30 basis points year over year, mainly due to a higher mix of flight bookings and increased merchandising contra-revenues [2] - Merchant revenues were $6.13 billion (68.1% of total revenues), up 23.3% year over year, while agency revenues were $2.57 billion (28.5% of total revenues), down 6.7% year over year [4] - Advertising & Other revenues were $308 million (3.4% of total revenues), reflecting a 14.5% year-over-year increase [4] Growth Drivers - BKNG's growth was supported by its Connected Trip vision, enhanced loyalty programs, expanded AI-driven features, and increased direct bookings [3] - Room nights totaled 323 million, up 8.2% year over year, driven by robust demand across major regions, particularly in the United States [5] - Alternative accommodations listings rose to over 8.6 million, up about 10% year over year, with double-digit room night growth [6] Operating Results - Adjusted EBITDA increased 15% year over year to approximately $4.2 billion, exceeding the high end of guidance by 6 percentage points, with an adjusted EBITDA margin expanding 110 basis points to 47% [13] - Marketing expenses rose 8.8% year over year, with marketing expense as a percentage of gross bookings at 4.7%, slightly lower than the previous year [8][9] - Adjusted fixed operating expenses increased 10% year over year, influenced by higher cloud costs and personnel expenses rising by 9% [12] Financial Position - As of September 30, 2025, cash and investments totaled $17.2 billion, down from $18.2 billion, primarily due to a reduction in Deferred Merchant Bookings [14] - Total debt decreased to $17 billion from $18.47 billion [14] - Free cash flow was reported at $1.4 billion, compared to $3.1 billion in the previous quarter [14] Future Guidance - For Q4 2025, room night growth is expected between 4% and 6%, with gross bookings projected to grow 11-13% [15] - Full year 2025 anticipates room night growth of around 7%, with revenue growth of approximately 12% and adjusted EBITDA rising between 17% and 18% [16]

Core Insights - The partnership between Canadian Tire and Tim Hortons aims to enhance customer value through a collaborative loyalty program [2][4] - The Triangle Rewards program has nearly 12 million members and is part of Canadian Tire's True North initiative, which involves a $2 billion investment over four years [4] - The partnership is seen as a strategic evolution of loyalty programs, moving from transactional to more integrated customer engagement [5] Group 1: Partnership Details - Specific offers and eligible purchases related to the partnership will be disclosed closer to the launch date [1] - The partnership expands the Triangle Rewards program beyond Canadian Tire's brands, including SportChek and Petro-Canada [3] Group 2: Market Context - The loyalty program landscape is becoming increasingly competitive, with Canadian Tire and Tim Hortons seeking to capture market share in a crowded rewards space [4][6] - Experts suggest that the partnership may be more about gaining incremental market share rather than enhancing customer satisfaction [6] Group 3: Consumer Insights and Data Utilization - Loyalty programs provide businesses with valuable consumer data, allowing them to tailor offerings and maximize profits [8][9] - Partnerships between loyalty programs enhance data collection, enabling companies to better understand customer preferences and behaviors [9]

Core Insights - Point.me's 2025 report ranks the best airline miles programs globally, focusing on maximizing value for travelers [1][4] - The report evaluates 59 airline loyalty programs across eight categories, including redemption rates and customer service [2] Ranking Overview - Air France-KLM's Flying Blue is ranked as the best airline rewards program for the second consecutive year, noted for its competitive redemption rates and extensive transfer partners [6] - American Airlines AAdvantage made a significant leap from sixth to second place due to new partnerships with Citi ThankYou Rewards, enhancing point transfer options [7][8] - Alaska Airlines ranks third, recognized for its strong award availability and international partnerships [9] Regional Highlights - In North America, American AAdvantage leads, followed by Alaska Airlines and United MileagePlus, with JetBlue TrueBlue noted for innovative partnerships [11] - Flying Blue tops the rankings in Europe, while Avianca LifeMiles remains strong in Latin America despite slight pricing changes [12] Key Trends - Earning miles is increasingly driven by credit card spending and partnerships rather than just flying, emphasizing the importance of accessibility [13][14] - Flexibility in cancellation policies and award holding options is becoming a critical differentiator among loyalty programs [15] - Partnerships with credit card issuers and other airlines are essential for enhancing loyalty program value and member engagement [17]

Core Insights - Delta Air Lines and United Airlines dominate the U.S. airline industry, accounting for over 86% of profits among the seven largest airlines last year, despite overall airline margins being less than 4% [2][3] - Both airlines are expected to perform better than competitors due to their strong networks and focus on premium travel, with analysts noting a clear distinction between brand loyalty towards Delta and United versus other carriers [3][4] - The airline industry is facing challenges with falling airfare and weaker domestic travel demand, leading to a 3.5% drop in airfare in June compared to the previous year, despite overall inflation rising [6][10] Financial Performance - United Airlines reported a 7% drop in domestic revenue per available seat mile in the second quarter, while Delta's domestic revenue decreased by 5% [10][11] - Delta's revenue from its American Express partnership rose by 10% to $2 billion in the second quarter, indicating strength in premium-class revenue, which was up 5% [12][11] Strategic Initiatives - Airlines are exploring new revenue streams, with Southwest Airlines introducing checked bag fees and plans for assigned seating, while Delta is testing segmentation in premium cabins [13][14][15] - United Airlines is focusing on expanding its premium-economy cabin, which is generating good returns, and is revamping its Polaris class for long-haul flights [17][18] Market Dynamics - The competitive landscape is intensifying, with Delta and United both trimming their 2025 outlooks while emphasizing international travel and loyalty programs to boost revenues [9][10] - The industry is experiencing oversupply in certain markets, particularly in trans-Atlantic routes, as demand stabilizes post-pandemic [11][9]

Consumer Behavior & Preferences - 53% of Americans plan to pay for travel lodging this summer [1] - Travelers are laser-focused on value, not necessarily the cheapest stays [2] - Travelers choose hotels when traveling solo and private vacation homes (via Vrbo) when traveling with family or groups [3][4] Hotel Pricing & Value - Hotel prices in the US are slightly down this summer compared to last summer, with some popular destinations like San Francisco, Atlanta, and Austin, Texas, experiencing almost a 10% decrease [4] - Internationally, hotel prices are slightly up but generally lower than in the US [5] - Hotelscom's hotel price index uses "margarita math" (barometer) to correlate the cost of poolside cocktails with hotel room rates, indicating that Nashville offers the best value for poolside drinks, about $5 less than in LA [5][6] Loyalty Programs & Perks - Loyalty programs are key to saving, offering not only lower rates but also perks such as food and beverage credits ($250), wine upon check-in, and discounts on spa services (e.g., 20% off at the Godfrey Hotel in Chicago) [7][8] - Hotelscom's loyalty currency, "one key cash," can be used for immediate or future luxury hotel stays [9]

Group 1 - Shake Shack is entering the loyalty program space to boost business amid economic uncertainty, offering $1 soft drinks for app or website orders [1] - Starting in June, customers who order a burger or BBQ sandwich at least twice within a specific period will be eligible for discounts [2] - The company plans to launch a more extensive loyalty platform later this year, following the trend set by competitors [3] Group 2 - Loyalty programs are increasingly popular in the fast-food industry as a strategy to encourage repeat business, especially during inflationary periods [5] - The U.S. economy is under pressure, with consumer confidence declining and major chains warning of a slowdown in dining out due to inflation [6] - Nearly 80% of Americans now view fast food as a luxury due to high prices [8] Group 3 - Shake Shack aims to expand its footprint, raising its target for company-operated restaurants in the U.S. to at least 1,500, representing a nearly 356% increase from current operations [9] - The company plans to open about 45 company-operated locations and 35-40 licensed locations by 2025 [10]