Dive Brief:
- Big Lots debuted its new Big Lots app with loyalty incentives for current and new Big Reward members, the discount retailer announced Friday.
- The app features a personalized dashboard that tracks earnings, in-store rewards access, notifications about special offers, one-touch shopping, weekly exclusive discounts and profile and credit card management. Mobile app users can also receive “Rewards Ready” notifications about new rewards.
- The app is now available to iOS and Android users. Current mobile app users can update their app to gain access to the new features, the company said.
Dive Insight:
Big Lots wants to woo shoppers amid a bankruptcy. The company’s mobile app enhancements are designed to make the retailer “the leader in extreme value.”
“With the introduction of the Big Lots app, our Big Reward customers will have an enhanced and more personalized shopping experience,” Bruce Millard, senior vice president of marketing and e-commerce, said in a statement. “We aim to make it easier for our customers to access their rewards, stay informed about the best deals, and manage their profiles and credit cards all in one place as they shop in-store and online for bargains to brag about.”
In September, the discount retail chain filed for Chapter 11, claiming between $1 billion and $10 billion worth of liabilities. In a stalking horse agreement, investment firm Nexus Capital Management agreed to buy most of the company’s assets for $620 million in a transaction it expects to complete in Q4 with court approval.
Days after filing, the court approved the retailer’s immediate access to $550 million in financing intended to support the company’s ongoing operations. Big Lots said it plans to stay in business after exiting bankruptcy.
The retailer over the summer said it was looking to close hundreds of stores, potentially cutting its store footprint by 23%.
