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Customer loyalty and revenue: What the data says

Discover how loyalty management drives 73% of retail revenue in the Nordics and why personalized communication is key across Europe. Learn industry trends and actionable strategies from the UK, Germany, and the Netherlands.

Customer Loyalty and Revenue

In an era of rising acquisition costs and increasingly discerning shoppers, one truth stands out: loyalty is no longer a bonus—it’s a baseline.

Across the Nordics and broader Europe, loyalty programs and personalized communication are proving to be not just effective but essential to retail success. According to the Retail Radar 2025 report, 73% of all retail revenue in Sweden, Norway, and Denmark now comes from customers who receive loyalty and retention communications. Whether you’re selling sneakers, skincare, or sofas, this isn’t just a trend—it’s a strategic imperative.

So, what does effective loyalty management look like today? And how do European markets compare? Let’s break it down.

Loyalty boosts ROI

In the Nordics, shoppers who receive loyalty-driven communication, like emails, app notifications, or SMS, are more valuable. The numbers speak for themselves:

  • +3.1% higher average order value
  • +40% more discount usage
  • 12.3% lower online return rates

These customers aren’t just more likely to convert—they’re more profitable over time. This indicates that loyalty programs, when combined with personalized engagement, lead to increased revenue and retention.

But beyond the stats, it’s about relationship-building. When customers are engaged with relevant offers and meaningful communication, they’re not just shopping; they’re choosing your brand over and over again (read more about retail brand loyalty here).

 

Loyalty across categories

Loyalty isn’t one-size-fits-all. Some sectors thrive on frequent transactions, while others depend on building long-term relationships. Here’s what the Retail Radar data reveals:

What does this tell us?

  • High-frequency categories like kidswear, beauty, and fashion rely on regular, rewardable behavior, making loyalty programs a perfect fit.
  • Low-frequency categories like furniture or electronics need to rethink loyalty beyond transactions, think exclusive services, extended guarantees, or VIP access.

This means that your loyalty model must align with how and how often your customers shop. A beauty buyer expects points and perks. A furniture buyer expects trust, service, and long-term value.

Loyalty behavior across Europe

Consumer expectations around loyalty aren’t universal, they vary by market. Here’s how customer behavior compares across three key European countries:

United Kingdom 🇬🇧

Why it matters: Loyalty in the UK is deeply tied to perceived value and deal-seeking. Brands that don’t offer benefits risk losing conversions.

Germany 🇩🇪

Why it matters: Germans value consistency and trust in retail relationships. Loyalty drives both emotional connection and repeat purchases.

Netherlands 🇳🇱

Why it matters: While adoption is lower, Dutch shoppers place high value on personalization and relevance—meaning smarter targeting could unlock untapped potential.

Building a loyalty strategy that delivers

So how do you move from intention to impact? Here are five ways to build a smarter, ROI-driven loyalty program:

1. Prioritize first-party data collection

Use member signups, receipts, and engagement signals to build customer profiles for personalized communication.

2. Segment with purpose

Go beyond basic demographics—use metrics like CLV, predicted churn, and engagement frequency to guide offers and messages.

3. Reward engagement

Give points or recognition for reviews, referrals, app activity, or even social media interactions. It deepens connection beyond transactions.

4. Match the model to your category

Fast-moving: Reward frequency with tiers, flash deals, early access.

Slow-moving: Offer exclusivity, long-term benefits, or high-touch service features.

5. Continuously measure & optimize

Track KPIs like loyalty-driven revenue share, repeat rate, AOV, and return rates. Use these insights to evolve and sharpen your approach.

Loyalty management for growth

The fact that nearly three-quarters of Nordic retail revenue comes from engaged customers is a clear signal: loyalty marketing isn’t an optional initiative—it’s a foundational one.

When done right, loyalty management becomes your most efficient growth channel, reducing churn, boosting profit margins, and turning casual customers into lifelong advocates.

Ready to Scale Your Loyalty Program? With Voyado, you can unify segmentation, automation, and predictive insights (like churn and CLV) into one intuitive platform—so your loyalty strategy is always working for you.

Learn more

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