The Best Loyalty Reward Program Examples to Inspire Your Business

Building customer loyalty is more than just a perk—it’s a necessity for businesses looking to thrive in today’s competitive landscape. A well-designed loyalty reward program not only increases customer retention, but also deepens the emotional connection between consumers and brands. With 84% of customers valuing consistent benefits over flashy one-time offers, loyalty programs are crucial for creating lasting relationships. 

To help you level up your customer retention strategy, we’ve highlighted inspiring examples of loyalty rewards program inspiration and actionable insights to incorporate into your own. 

What Makes a Great Loyalty Reward Program? 

Before we explore examples, it’s crucial to understand the key traits that these successful loyalty programs share. Here’s what the best-of-the-best have in common:

• Ease of Use – Customers won’t join or stick with complicated programs. Simplicity wins. 

• Personalization – Programs tailored to customers’ preferences create stronger emotional bonds — leveraging data is critical.

• Meaningful and valuable rewards – Offering real value drives engagement, whether it's discounts, exclusive access, or unique experiences. Ensure your customers can see and experience the value of your program early and consistently.

Supporting this, our research shows that customers engaged with loyalty programs spend 12-18% more annually than those who aren’t.

10 Inspiring Loyalty Rewards Program Examples

1. Alo Access by Alo Yoga 

Alo Yoga’s “Alo Access” program bridges traditional rewards with unique lifestyle experiences. Members earn points for purchases, which they can redeem for Alo gear, products or experiences. Beyond that, it features:

• Three-Tier Memberships – From welcome gifts and birthday rewards to exclusive yoga classes and invite-only experiences.

• Lifestyle Integration – Engaging perks like private Instagram content and priority access to top yoga events.

Display Strategy for Alo Access Program 

The Alo Access program uses a strategic combination of digital and in-store touch points to enhance visibility and engagement.

Online, the program is prominently featured on Alo Yoga’s website and mobile app, ensuring users encounter it effortlessly, right after they log into their store accounts. Clear call-to-action buttons invite customers to join. It is paired with visually appealing layouts that highlight program benefits, such as tiered rewards and exclusive perks.

How to achieve this with Lootly: use the customer point balance feature in your Display -> inline points area. Grab the code and use it to dynamically display the customer's point balance upon logging in. Top level personalization with a single line of code!

Additionally, Alo makes sure to consistently check customers' pulse in regards to their program offer. The brand has a survey link that customers can access in the FAQ section of the program page and answer a few super short questions to provide their insights about the program. Actively listening to their customers' feedback, the brand ensures they're always offering exactly what customers want, ensuring high program engagement rates.

Bonus tip: offer points for completing the survey. Customers will be more motivated to complete the task, and you'll have a rich pool of feedback to make educated decisions about your program.

For in-store experiences, signage and staff engagement are key components. Prominent displays near checkout areas and fitting rooms serve as constant reminders of the program’s value, while well-informed staff actively encourage sign-ups, explaining the benefits in the context of a customer’s personal shopping experience.

Together, these strategic displays create a seamless and enticing introduction to the Alo Access program, effectively bridging online and offline channels.

Takeaway: Craft a loyalty program that amplifies your brand ethos. If your product or service lends itself to a lifestyle, integrate rewards tied to that lifestyle to deepen customer engagement. 

2. YSL Beauty Club 

Luxury beauty leader YSL blends premium experiences with a straightforward points-based system. Customers earn 10 points per $1 spent and gain access to rewards like branded merchandise, free products, VIP events, and complimentary gift wrapping. 

• Tier-based Exclusivity – The program escalates benefits for “Black Tier” members, adding aspirational allure.

• Non-Purchase Point Opportunities – Points for activities like taking a beauty quiz or writing reviews keep customers contributing to the brand community. 

• Purchase products with points - Customers can purchase products with points as part of the program’s offer. 

• Brand consistency through customization of the page with branded, program specific assets

How to achieve this with Lootly: if you're using one of the reviews management platforms we integrate with, ensure you connect it to Lootly and create specific earning actions for each type of review you're collecting. Make sure to reward these actions with different point values to match the effort of the customer.

Offering a quiz on your website is a fantastic way to collect valuable insights, enabling you to personalize the customer experience even further. If you're using an app for this, explore whether they have a Zapier integration to connect the app to Lootly, or simply use the custom API action to issue points to the customer for completing the quiz.

Finally, if you wish to offer a rewards catalog, or purchase products with points section, Lootly allows you to do this seamlessly and with just a few clicks, via the rewards page functionality. 

You can also fully brand your page and ensure brand consistency, just like the YSL example here.

Takeaway: Create desire through exclusivity, and engage customers even when they’re not actively purchasing. 

3. Melissa & Doug’s Play Perks Program 

Toy brand Melissa & Doug designed its “Play Perks” program with family fun and ease in mind. Customers earn points on every purchase and can redeem them for toys. Standout features include:

• Interactive Participation – Earn points by completing fun activities, like taking a gift quiz.

• Simple Redemption – Rewards are redeemable directly within the checkout process, reducing friction for busy parents.

Display strategy for Play Perks

The program is presented on the home page as a simple banner below the header section. It’s static, so the customer can always click on the banner to access the program. This tactic ensures the customer has the program top of mind while browsing the site, so once they’re ready to buy, they can use the rewards they have access to. In addition to this shortcut to the program, there’s also a branded rewards page explaining the value of the offer.

Takeaway: Simplicity is key. Making it easy for members to earn and redeem their points encourages participation and builds trust. 

4. Refer-a-Friend Program by Hi Seltzers 

For industries like CBD, digital advertising can be especially challenging. 

Strict regulatory restrictions and platform-specific policies often prevent CBD brands from using traditional paid advertising methods. Major platforms like Google and Facebook impose tight guidelines or outright bans on promoting CBD products, making it difficult to reach new audiences.

Referral programs are a cost-effective, authentic alternative to traditional advertising. Unlike ads, which can feel impersonal, referrals carry the trust of a personal recommendation. When loyal customers recommend a product or service, it builds trust and boosts conversion rates. Referral programs also offer long-term benefits, as happy customers bring in new leads while strengthening their own loyalty through rewards. This creates organic growth driven by customer satisfaction, not just paid ads. For CBD businesses, this is valuable, helping overcome advertising challenges through customer advocacy and trust.

Hi Seltzers offers a fantastic example of leveraging simplicity and engagement through their Refer-a-Friend program.

Customers can earn rewards by inviting their friends to try the product. For every successful referral, both the referrer and the new customer receive incentives, such as discounts or free products. This strategy not only encourages customer loyalty, but also drives organic growth by turning satisfied customers into brand ambassadors.   

Display strategy for Hi Seltzers: 

The brand has a very easy and clear way for customers to access the referral program from the hope page. The button is positioned to be fixed on the header even if the customer scrolls down the page, ensuring it's always visible and accessible. Upon the click, the customer lands on a beautifully designed page which allows for the referral to be made and also provides more information about the brand and the program. This is followed by reviews of satisfied customers.

Takeaway: Incentivizing social sharing is an effective way to expand your customer base while deepening existing relationships. Simple, rewarding programs like this create a win-win scenario, enhancing both customer satisfaction and business reach.   

How to achieve this with Lootly: use the referral program feature within Lootly to set up your own refer-a-friend program. You can customize the rewards, referral actions and sharing methods. Additionally, consider offering extra points or other rewards for those who successfully refer a certain number of friends. This will motivate them to continue sharing and increase their chances of earning more rewards.

5. Starbucks Rewards 

Starbucks Rewards has set the standard for customer loyalty programs in the food and beverage industry. This app-based program allows members to earn “Stars” for every purchase, which can then be redeemed for free drinks, food, or exclusive merchandise. 

• Mobile Integration – The program seamlessly integrates with the Starbucks app, enabling mobile ordering, payment, and tracking rewards in real-time. 

• Personalized Offers – Starbucks curates individual promotions based on purchase behavior, encouraging more frequent visits. 

• Bonus Challenges – Engaging features like double-star days and bonus star challenges turn earning rewards into an interactive and fun experience. 

How to achieve this with Lootly: if your business has a mobile app in which you’d like to add a program, Lootly can support this via our public API. Please contact us if you need support for this type of integration. Additionally, to offer double point days, simply use the out of the box, bonus point campaign feature in your Lootly account: 

Takeaway: Leverage technology to make your loyalty program intuitive and engaging, while adding personalized touches to reinforce brand loyalty. 

6. Nike Membership 

Nike’s loyalty program goes beyond traditional discounts; instead, it delivers added value through exclusive benefits designed to foster a sense of belonging. 

• Exclusive Product Drops – Members gain early or exclusive access to limited-edition Nike merchandise. 

• Wellness Benefits – Beyond shopping, Nike offers members access to curated fitness content, training programs, and health challenges through its apps. 

• Community Engagement – Events like local runs and training sessions strengthen the connection between the brand and its members. 

Takeaway: Enhance your loyalty program by fostering community and showcasing your brand’s unique identity. Incorporate rewards that genuinely connect your customers to your mission or values. 

7. Amazon Prime 

Amazon Prime is an excellent example of a subscription-based loyalty program that provides immense value. For an annual fee, members gain access to a wide range of benefits, such as free shipping, streaming services, and exclusive discounts. 

• All-In-One Benefits – Prime combines multiple rewards—from fast delivery to entertainment—making it an indispensable service for many customers. 

• Constant Value Delivery – By integrating regular benefits like Prime Day and exclusive deals, members consistently feel they’re getting their money’s worth. 

• Customer Stickiness – The extensive range of benefits ensures members become heavily ingrained in the Amazon ecosystem. 

How to achieve this with Lootly: you can use Lootly’s ability to manage benefits for subscribers via the paid membership feature in the tiered loyalty section.

Takeaway: A subscription model can significantly enhance loyalty, but only when customers perceive consistent, ongoing value. 

Why Loyalty Programs Matter for Business Growth 

It’s no surprise that customer loyalty is the secret sauce for long-term success. Here are a few benefits every business can experience with the right program:

• Increase Customer Lifetime Value (LTV): Retaining customers is 5X more cost-effective than acquiring new ones. 

• Amplify Word of Mouth: Satisfied members are more likely to share your brand and products with others. 

• Strengthen Emotional Connections: Thoughtful rewards create a sense of belonging and goodwill toward the brand. 

How to Create a Standout Loyalty Program 

Now that you’re inspired by these successful examples, here’s how to launch or refine your own program step-by-step. 

Step 1: Define Clear Goals 

Do you want to boost customer retention? Increase repeat purchases? Grow your referral program? Setting specific objectives lays the foundation for your program’s strategy. 

Step 2: Personalize for Your Audience 

Use customer data to design rewards that matter. For instance:

• Are your customers value-oriented? Offer tangible perks like discounts or free shipping. 

• Are they experience-driven? Create unique, exclusive opportunities like VIP webinars or events. 

Step 3: Create Tiers for Engagement 

Introduce tiered memberships to encourage customers to spend more. For instance:

• Entry Tier: Small but valuable rewards to hook newcomers (like a welcome gift). 

• Top Tier: Exclusive access to events or services for your most loyal buyers. 

Step 4: Keep It Simple 

Avoid overly complex point systems. Ensure both earning and redeeming rewards feel intuitive and rewarding. 

Step 5: Go Beyond Transactions 

Encourage activities like sharing content, leaving reviews, or referring friends. For example, YSL Beauty Club’s points for taking quizzes or writing reviews keep customers engaged beyond shopping. 

Step 6: Monitor and Optimize 

Use loyalty program software like Lootly to track performance. Combine this with email marketing to keep members engaged and updated on rewards, while also regularly gathering data and feedback. 

Final Thoughts 

Building a successful loyalty rewards program requires understanding, creativity, and alignment with customer values. By modeling your approach on proven industry examples, such as Alo Yoga or YSL Beauty, you can create a program that not only retains customers, but also sets your brand apart. 

Want to learn more about creating the perfect loyalty program?

Check out How to Structure Your Points and Rewards Program for more actionable insights. 

Start building customer loyalty today—because a happy customer is a loyal customer, and loyalty is your business’s biggest asset.