Givex Corp (TSX:GIVX, OTCQX:GIVXF) said its annual consumer survey, which measures Canadians’ sentiments on dining motivations, loyalty programs, and their comfort level with restaurant technology, shows almost all Canadians use loyalty rewards programs in 2023.
The survey, which polled more than 1,500 Canadians in April 2023, showed that 98% of Canadians say they have used rewards or points from a loyalty program to make a purchase at least once, according to Givex.
As food prices continue to rise, more than half (57%) of Canadians said grocery rewards programs were the most valuable type of loyalty program, widely outpacing other categories.
Amid inflation and a looming recession, the survey showed Canadians are dining out less often this year than last year, for both sit-down restaurants (35%) and takeout and delivery (35%), with just over one-quarter (28%) saying they are actually dining out more often than in 2022.
Almost three-quarters (74%) of surveyed Canadians said they were comfortable using technology while dining, such as using a mobile device to view a menu or order, up 4% from last year.
"Technology continues to become more integrated into our day-to-day lives, and these findings show that Canadians are steadily adapting to its usage in the restaurant space," said Givex chief commercial officer Mo Chaar.
"While a number of external factors likely contributed to the fact that Canadians are not dining out as often as last year, the data is clear: promotions, discounts and loyalty programs are key to customer retention for restaurant operators.”
Chaar said, as the industry evolves, it has never been more important to provide merchants with the data they need to offer an outstanding customer experience.
“The Givex platform helps businesses better understand their customers by connecting powerful transactions and delivering tailored experiences that keep them coming back,” Chaar said in a statement.
Givex provides merchants with customer engagement, point of sale and payment solutions, in a single platform.
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