Consumer-facing loyalty platform provider, SpotOn, is launching its digital loyalty network for local merchants and consumers (view press release). SpotOn installs tablets in places such as cafes and salons, enabling consumers to check-in using a smartphone or card to earn rewards and incentives. Since starting its tablet-based programme in April this year, the company claims to have attracted around 1,500 merchants, with an estimated 500 sign-ups a month since.

SpotOn charges merchants a monthly fee for a consumer-facing tablet and a merchant dashboard for complete view of their customer-base. Merchants can see customer information, like typical spend redemption activity on deal and Facebook activity.

"Local businesses are waking up to the fact that deepening their relationships with existing customers is more cost-effective than recruiting new ones through group buying deals, ads or paper coupons," said Zach Hyman, co-CEO of SpotOn. "Yet many business owners don't have the time or know-how when it comes to connecting with their customers using social, mobile and email marketing.  Our tablet-based approach provides at-a-glance customer profiles making it really easy to run targeted campaigns."