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    Local Customers Love Filling Up Local

    The Old Railroad Stop sought to boost visitor traffic during slower months by implementing Ackroo’s loyalty program. The program has exceeded expectations, driving increased customer engagement, loyalty, and revenue growth, particularly during the off-season.

    3+

    years using Ackroo loyalty

    $127k

    loyalty redeemed

    15.6x

    avg member visit frequency
    Company Description

    Located on Hiawatha First Nation, The
    Old Railroad Stop comprises a gas station, convenience store, gift shop and restaurant. They pride themselves on their family-friendly, personable approach for travellers and community members alike.

    • Headquarters: Hiawatha, ON
    • Founded: 2002
    • Industry: Petroleum
    • Locations: 1
    • Employees: 30
    quote-icon

    Our Ackroo Loyalty Program has been a huge success. It’s brought many more customers to our location during our non-busy months and has set a great foundation for our business as we continue to grow.

    JD Monette

    Manager

    ORRS App-1

    The Challenge

    JD Monette, gas station manager, knew that his customer base consisted not only of locals but also of a significant number of people driving 20 minutes down from Peterborough to buy The Old Railroad Stops (ORRS) cheaper gas. With a background at Shoppers Drug Mart, he understood the impact of a well-implemented loyalty program and noticed an immediate need at ORRS. In addition, the station was seeing significantly fewer visitors during shoulder seasons. Perhaps a loyalty program would boost more business outside their regulars, and build up visitors’ trust.

    "Back in 2019, I noticed that our business wasn’t thriving as much as the summer once school had started and the cottagers/tourists weren’t visiting the Kawarthas. It was painfully slow and I felt we needed to increase traffic flow," says JD.

    Key Goals

    Build upon the trust & community dedication ORRS is known for

    Differentiate themselves from competition

    Generate more visitors & revenue in the slower months

    Grow their customer base

    ORRS brochure-2
    old-railroad-stop-logo

    The Solution

    JD recalls that when he searched local loyalty program providers, Ackroo came up as one of the first. We support similar businesses, and JD even went to visit some and experience their rewards program for himself. He found the reach-out and consideration process easy and clear.

    Unfortunately, the pandemic struck within months of the launch of the ORRS loyalty program. It was difficult to tell how much of a difference the program was making in those early days. However, word of mouth proved very powerful — customers regularly speak to one another while waiting in the checkout line, organically encouraging new member sign-ups. The 2% cash back adds up quickly and goes a long way!

    The Impact

    The program has “exceeded expectations”. Staff are “relentless advocates”, too.


    Program members see the benefits quite regularly. Most redeem at the $30-$40 mark, though some amass their rewards cash and relish their bank of savings!


    Customer feedback has been incredible. Members who wait in line at cash and overhear the cashier mention the loyalty program will speak up to praise it!


    The simplicity of the software platform pairs extremely well with the quick
    transaction nature of the business.


    JD is setting his sights on further growth, perhaps expanding through SKU promos, email marketing, and more.

    quote-icon

    Once we started the program it was instant success. Customers were extremely thankful they were able to get something back. Especially if they drove well out of their way, as we’re located on a First Nation Territory. Customers have expressed to staff numerous times how grateful they are, sometimes even being in tears because they’re struggling financially.

    The Results

    Headphones

    106%

    Member Visitor Increase Rate YOY

    2021 - 2022
    Headphones

    $96.22

    Average Spend on Loyalty-Earning Visits by Members

    vs Non-Members: $87.73
    Headphones

    177

    Total Mobile App Users (and growing)
    Headphones

    439%

    Loyalty Transaction Volume Increase YOY

    2020 - 2021

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