AO.com floats subscription/loyalty initiative

AO is mulling over an annual subscription fee in return for a loyalty discount.

In a email sent this week to its customers, the pureplay suggests a £39 per year fee, providing 5% off all products, along with £59 for 10%. It is offering people the chance to vote on this; we will keep you posted as to how that goes.

Whether the scheme is right for AO remains to be seen, but, by asking for feedback, it boosts its chances of making the right decision. And bonus points for engaging customers in marketing initiatives. It’s remarkable how few retailers still fall down in this area.

Innovation, that’s what we need

AO recently launched an innovation lab, pitched as “a global search for the next digital disruptors”.

Working with advisors and investors in early stage technologies, L Marks, it is on the lookout for startups that specialise in chatbots, personalisation, IT, logistics and augmented reality and who can help it make online shopping easier and faster for its customers.

Successful startups get the opportunity for mentoring, a chance to scale their product and services, office space at AO’s offices in Bolton and Manchester, access to industry experts and potential funding from AO and LMarks.

Further info here.

Sign up for our free retail technology newsletter here.