With increasingly optimistic news on the progress of the vaccination programme in the UK, hopefully the lifting of restrictions will follow across all regions shortly.
Looking ahead and talking with clients across the different sectors, there are mixed opinions and expectations on how re-opening businesses that have been closed for months will take place. Some see an immediate and massive demand as the public who are desperate to go out and spend take to the high street and visit the bars, bistros, cafes, pubs and restaurants that are currently preparing to re-open in a safe and efficient way. Others are forecasting a more sedate return to opening their doors, especially where the flow of visitors can more easily be managed through online admissions.
One opinion that people share is that the landscape for most market sectors and specifically for hospitality and tourism has changed significantly and changed for the long term. We expect to see the trend for Self-Ordering and Order at Table as well as Click & Collect continue to grow as users have become accustomed to new processes and new technology during restrictions.
But once the initial hive of activity passes, what next?
The expectation is that customer loyalty will be key. Loyalty schemes may not be a new idea and there are numerous programmes and ways that operators already successfully promote to their customer base. For more and more consumers, the offer of a reward makes the difference in where they choose to visit.
As development of Vine, our Self Order app continues, we will be releasing our loyalty offering allowing customised loyalty and rewards campaigns. Targeted promotions using opted in data is the best way to build lasting customer relationships, increase revenue and margins.
Vine plus loyalty is fully EPOS integrated so that rewards are shared both on premise and on line and in way that your customers can keep track of their rewards and points balance. Measuring customer activity, allowing decision making and creating targeted promotions will be at the heart of the system.
We are looking forward and especially excited about our new phase of development to include Vine plus loyalty.
