HENDERSON, N.C. & LOUISVILLE, Ky. -- Verge Retail and Electrum Corp. have partnered with the goal of enhancing the technology and marketing capabilities of customer loyalty programs for convenience store chains nationwide.
They said they expect the combination of Verge Retail's Connect platform, which provides a turnkey branded smartphone app that is affordable for chains of all sizes, with Electrum's complementary expertise in developing services that build brand loyalty, increase sales, improve payments process and reduce payment acceptance costs, will result in one of the most technologically advanced loyalty platforms available for c-stores.
"Our combined platform better positions even the smallest c-store chain to compete with the rapidly encroaching behemoth brands by helping foster a more personalized relationship with its c-store customers," said Carson Kuehne, Verge Retail chief innovations officer.
The new offering will be based on Verge Retail's soon-to-be-released second-generation Connect platform. Adding Electrum's technology and services, features include instant discounts, cash rewards, vacation and prize drawings and specialized promotions, all delivered via dynamic, interactive, personalized content.
"By joining the most innovative c-store mobile app platform with our sophisticated loyalty platform and services, c-store retailers will take their brand loyalty campaigns to a whole new level and realize tremendous, immediate benefits as a result," said Rebecca Burch, executive vice president and co-founder of Electrum.
Louisville, Ky.-based Electrum's merchant branded loyalty solutions and electronic payment products are designed to transform the way convenience store chains communicate with consumers and build their brands. Developed in partnership with c-store industry leaders and executives, Electrum's services and technology are designed to help small and mid-sized chains better compete in the marketplace, increase sales and reduce payment acceptance costs. It offers a comprehensive turnkey solution. The company's in-store, customer-facing kiosks provide an experience that enables consumers to enroll and manage their personal accounts, while also empowering retailers to customize their offerings in ways proven to build loyalty and revenue.
Henderson, N.C.-based Verge Retail is the technology spinoff of East Coast convenience store supplier M.R. Williams Inc. The company's technology is deployed across more than 2,200 retail outlets and used by tens of thousands of c-store retailers, distributors and consumers nationwide.
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