MARYVILLE, Tenn. -- KenJo Markets, a convenience-store chain with 36 retail locations throughout East Tennessee, has partnered with Verge Retail, a mobile software company for c-store distributors and retailers and to deploy Verge Connect to its customers this month.
Verge Connect is a customer marketing platform with multiple configuration options that allows c-stores to interact with customers through a personalized, branded mobile app. Through Verge Connect, c-stores can distribute coupons and communicate daily with customers through loyalty games and interactive features.
“After deciding to create a customer marketing app of our own, it was clear Verge Connect was the best option for our needs,” said Wes Carruthers, president at KenJo Markets. “The Connect platform allows us to personalize the app to our brand without the expensive and time-consuming task of building an app from scratch.”
Because Verge is able to integrate customer loyalty programs directly into personalized Connect software, the new KenJo app integrates with the chain’s existing Electrum-powered loyalty program. Electrum software allows c-stores to deliver customer-specific promotions based on purchasing history, enables customers earn points toward discounts, and much more.
“Customer loyalty is where the c-store market is headed. Chains of all sizes are realizing that loyalty programs not only keep them competitive in the marketplace, they increase sales and convert brand-agnostic customers,” said Rebecca Burch, executive vice president sales and client services at Electrum. “Working with Verge Retail to help our clients link our loyalty solutions with their Connect platform has been a seamless partnership.”
With the KenJo app, customers who previously could only check point balances and discounts at in-store kiosks now have the option to do so more often, from the privacy and convenience of their mobile devices.
“C-stores are looking for customer engagement without the headache and high price of building something from scratch,” said Carson Kuehne, chief innovations officer at Verge. “Our clients appreciate the cost-effectiveness and simplicity of pairing a proven loyalty program with our turnkey mobile platform.”
Maryville, Tenn.-based KenJo Markets began in 1977 with its first store in Pigeon Forge, Tenn. The company has since expanded to 36 locations located throughout eastern Tennessee.
Henderson, N.C.-based Verge Retail, a subsidiary of MR Williams, prides itself on providing technology that is accessible to and effective for distributors and retailers of all sizes.
Members help make our journalism possible. Become a CSP member today and unlock exclusive benefits, including unlimited access to all of our content. Sign up here.