December 17, 2024 By Derby St Shops
WS Development, one of the nation’s leading mixed-use and retail developers, introduces the Insider Loyalty Program, a first of its kind mobile platform that rewards customers in real time across the property’s collection of brands. The in-app experience will provide personalized messaging and consistent, compelling rewards for shoppers from both nationally-beloved and locally-owned retailers.
Launching first in the Greater Boston area at Boston Seaport, Derby Street Shops in Hingham, Legacy Place in Dedham, and The Street in Chestnut Hill,Insider by WS Development brings together some of the nation’s most recognized retailers and beloved local brands in a seamless, guest-first rewards ecosystem. National retailers including J.Crew, Drybar, Athleta,Banana Republic, Vineyard Vines, Showcase Cinema de Lux & Superlux,M.M.LaFleur, Kendra Scott, Rhone, MiniLuxe, Ben & Jerry’s, Lunette Optic, Shake Shack, The Paper Store, Polkadog Bakery, Liberty & Main, Muse Paint Bar, and LOFT have already signed on to the program, with more exciting names to come.
Leading this initiative is Andrea McCullough, Director of Loyalty & CRM at WS Development, who brings extensive expertise from her previous role overseeing Dunkin’ Brands’ highly successful DD Perks program.
“At WS, we are constantly and critically thinking about the customer experience and how we can enhance that experience on property, during every visit. Our places are the reflection of the communities in which they reside, little neighborhoods that provide a welcoming place for meet-ups, playdates, date nights, and so much more. As the integration of the digital into the real world continues to accelerate, we wanted to meet and exceed the consumer expectation of cross shopping their favorite brands at their favorite places while still earning rewards on their phone. We’re thrilled to launch the Insider program as an innovative way to connect loyal shoppers with their favorite national brands while also providing unmatched visibility for local businesses,” said Samantha David, President, WS Development. “By merging our retailers into one comprehensive app, we’re enhancing every visit by rewarding our guests and driving meaningful foot traffic in a way that benefits both our shoppers and businesses.”
A New Way to Engage Shoppers and Encourage Store Visits
The Insider app offers a turnkey solution that allows shoppers to engage with their favorite stores in real time when they are nearby and most likely to visit and shop. This platform empowers brands to deliver personalized messages and exclusive offers to relevant customers at the perfect moment. Much like e-commerce strategies that target loyal shoppers who frequently browse but haven’t yet made a purchase, Insider encourages shoppers to visit brick-and-mortar stores by reaching them when they are most likely to make a purchase.
“With the Insider app, shoppers can see what their favorite businesses have in store through tailored, real-time offers,” said Andrea McCullough, Director of Loyalty and CRM at WS Development. “We’ve been getting a great response from retailers about how the app unlocks a net new way to reach their best shoppers in the moment and provides a strong incentive to add more stops to each of their visits.”
By providing businesses with a new and efficient way to reach relevant customers, the Insider app helps both national retailers and local businesses boost foot traffic, increase sales, and engage more deeply with their customers.
A Seamless and Rewarding Experience for Shoppers
For shoppers, Insider is designed to be intuitive, engaging, and rewarding. Whether visiting national brands or exploring local gems, shoppers can seamlessly earn points for purchases made across participating businesses. These points can then be redeemed for valuable rewards, including $5, $10, $20, or $50 off purchases, or exclusive access to events and experiences.
WS Development has successfully brought together a diverse community of businesses at their properties into one unified rewards program. “WS is pioneering a new kind of loyalty program into its retail communities, offering incentives for shoppers to continue shopping at the brands they know and love, while also encouraging guests to walk into new stores,” says Andrea McCullough, Director of Loyalty and CRM at WS Development.
“Insider offers an all-in-one, seamless rewards system that enhances every shopping trip,” added McCullough. “Shoppers can easily earn cross-brand rewards while discovering the best of what our properties have to offer—from top national retailers to unique local stores.”
Supporting a Dynamic Retail Ecosystem
Insider underscores WS Development’s commitment to creating places people love with incredible retail ecosystems that balance the strength of community with a diverse mix of local and national businesses. The app empowers retailers to connect with shoppers in innovative and timely ways, fostering deeper customer engagement and loyalty.
WS Development properties will have their own Insider app, launching first atBoston Seaport, Derby Street Shops, Legacy Place, and The Street, with a national expansion planned for 2025. Derby Street Insider and Legacy Place Insider are now available to download via the Apple Store and Google Play.