Qantas reveals major partnership with Aussie retailer
Qantas has just announced it will partner with a major Aussie retailer in a move that will unlock millions of points for travellers and shoppers.
Qantas has just announced it will partner with major Aussie retailer David Jones in a move that will see travellers and shoppers alike benefit hugely.
The partnership comes as David Jones prepares to launch its new loyalty program, David Jones Rewards, in October this year.
The long-awaited program means shoppers can earn and redeem David Jones Rewards Points
and also Qantas Points.
Equally, David Jones shoppers will be able to redeem their Qantas Points on a wide range of
rewards across the airline’s frequent flyer program, including over 20 million reward seats, flight upgrades, hotel stays, and other travel perks.
Qantas Loyalty CEO Andrew Glance told news.com.au the two Australian companies have been in talks for “several months” over a collaboration.
“We felt the timing was right with David Jones relaunching its loyalty program later this year,” Mr Glance said.
“We also share a really rich history if you look back into the archives. When we recruited our first female cabin crew in 1947, they would actually visit David Jones department stores to be fitted for their uniforms. So, it’s great be launching this landmark partnership 80-odd years later.”
The move comes as retail rival Myer is set to relaunch its own customer loyalty offering, designed by Myer boss and former Frequent Flyer executive Olivia Wirth.
Ms Wirth, who over six years built the Qantas points scheme into an earnings powerhouse, is now ensconced as the executive chair of Myer where she has partnerships with companies like Virgin Australia, Commonwealth Bank and Coles, the Courier Mail reports.
Myer does have Qantas as a partner in its Myer One rewards program, however Mr Glance signalled Davod Jones had the better deal, describing it as “simplistic”.
“This (David Jones) is a deeply integrated partnership, not only through the 40 stores, but also through online, it will provide a deeply integrated experience point of sale and effectively provide benefits across the entire program,” Mr Glance told The Australian.
“So fundamentally different (from Myer). And from our perspective, this is a cornerstone partnership that will be showcased across our audience.”
More than half of Qantas frequent flyers have earned points with retailers in the last 12 months – and once launched, shopping at David Jones will unlock billions more points for members in the coming years, according to the airline.
“David Jones is going to be an absolute cornerstone partner for us,” Mr Glance told news.com.au.
“Around two-thirds of all Qantas Points are actually earned on the ground, and a significant portion of that comes from retailers.
“There’s an undeniable appetite from our Frequent Flyers to collect more points through their everyday spending, which is why this partnership with David Jones is so exciting.”
He said it will help expand the airline’s footprint across categories like fashion, beauty, homewares, and electronics.
“Members will be able to earn Qantas points on their everyday purchases at David Jones and then redeem those points for incredible travel experiences or shopping their favourite brands in-store.”
David Jones CEO Scott Fyfe said of the 55 million visitors to their physical stores and 110 million visitors to davidjones.com each year, “we know a large number of our customers are also frequent flyers, so we’re thrilled to welcome the national carrier to our department store”.
Mr Glance said given two Qantas Frequent Flyers are already loyal or regular David Jones shoppers, they expect the partnership to be “incredibly well received”.
“In fact, roughly 57 per cent of active members are earning with retailers right now, so we know there’s a strong desire for these kinds of partnerships,” Mr Glance told news.com.au.
“This isn’t just for our Frequent Flyers; it’s also a fantastic opportunity for our Frequent Buyers to get even more value from their everyday spending.”
Full details of the partnership and the David Jones Rewards program will be revealed when it launches later in the year, including the points which can be earned.
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