Beenz means rewards

Beenz.com, the online loyalty currency specialist, has announced its move into the offline high street.

The move follows the launch of “beenzCode”, a patented technology which allows businesses to reward consumers digitally through alphanumeric codes printed on product packaging that are hidden from view until the purchase has been made. This means “beenz” can be earned for buying specific products such as food, travel tickets or any physical packaging.

“Beenz can now bring to offline businesses the marketing benefits we have brought to online businesses, with integrated on and offline incentive and reward programmes and promotions,” says Beenz chairman and chief executive Charles Cohen.

This is the second major move by Beenz, a UK-based company now operating globally, to take its product offline. Earlier this year, it announced a deal with MasterCard allowing the use of “beenz” in 18 million MasterCard outlets worldwide.

There are now more than 3 million beenz consumer accounts, and about 300 companies offering and accepting the currency, including Powergen, MTV, Ministry of Sound, Kingfisher (Comet, Woolworths and B&Q) and Costa Coffee.