Ricker’s Rewards card connects to customers’ checking accounts, so they can use the card like a debit card for discounts on in-store and gasoline purchases. Ricker Oil Co. is launching a rewards program this week to drive traffic and help customers battle escalating gas prices, the Indianapolis Star reported. The Ricker’s Rewards loyalty program offers…

Convenience store owners should expect to embrace new technology and a fresh set of rules for communicating with today’s consumers as 2011 approaches. A  year that witnessed a whirlwind of technological advancements proved that retail is all about change. The best retailers are embracing that change and  diversifying their technology investments in order to stay…

In 2011, look for cause marketing to be a bigger trend. An expert panel at the U.S. Direct Marketing Association’s (DMA) annual meeting revealed that the trend toward cause marketing is the next step in engaging customers and increasing loyalty. But it’s not enough just to pick a cause and throw together a promotion. Customers…