Introducing Rakuten+

We’re thrilled to announce the upcoming launch of Rakuten+ this fall! The first of its kind, Rakuten+ is an exclusive membership for shopping lovers who want rewards on premium brands, offering 10% Cash Back and VIP shopping perks on participating designer labels.

Rakuten+ connects designer merchants to high-value shoppers

Rakuten+ bridges the gap between designer merchants and high-value shoppers through an innovative new shopping platform. This program offers designer brands access to an engaged audience of carefully selected members who will earn at least 10% Cash Back on purchases from participating designer brands and retailers all year round.

The democratization of luxury is pushing designer brands to evolve

Rakuten+ arrives at a unique moment in the luxury space. The luxury market has undergone a transformation, driven by evolving consumer behaviors and a shift towards digital-centric models. This shift has democratized luxury, connecting brands to new audiences and opening new avenues for purchase. These fundamental changes continue to fuel growth and reshape market strategies.

Additionally, the luxury market has grown increasingly competitive. Advertising and marketing costs have ballooned, making customer acquisition significantly more expensive. High-end brands, which have traditionally shied away from discounting to maintain their status, face increased pressure to offer discounts and deals, thereby squeezing their profit margins. At the same time, these brands are not only competing against other designer labels, but against themselves via online retailers and the second-hand market. In response, several designer brands have launched their own resale programs to capture their share of this growing segment, aiming to retain control over their brand image while tapping into the lucrative resale market.

As the luxury landscape and buyer evolves, brands must navigate the delicate balance between broadening their reach and preserving their exclusive allure, while managing costs. This is where Rakuten+ offers a unique solution, helping luxury brands adapt to these changes while maintaining their core values.

Rakuten+ drives new, high-value shoppers and retention for designer brands

At the heart of Rakuten+ is the luxury Rakuten shopper, who has a proven affinity for investing in designer brands and products. Rakuten+ aims to help designer merchants leverage our platform’s ability to engage these shoppers throughout their entire journey. By leveraging Cash Back as an incentive, designer labels can draw in their target audience and build loyalty without compromising their brand value. Unlike discounting, Cash Back doesn’t diminish the value of a brand. Rather, it serves as a powerful incentive to attract first-time buyers, encourage repeat purchases, and ultimately drive lifetime value.

• Maintain exclusivity and brand value: Luxury has long been rooted in exclusivity, known by all but consumed by a select few. Through an invitation-only model, select shoppers can unlock unique rewards without diminishing the brand’s value.
• Cultivate the ideal clientele: Rakuten+ gives luxury brands a strategic gateway to consistently tap into a high-spending audience. Designer brands can stay in front of an engaged audience, driving frequency and loyalty. ​
• Expand your brand, efficiently: Rakuten+ offers a performance-based approach to customer acquisition and engagement. Unlike other marketing and advertising channels, brands only incur costs when a transaction is completed, maximizing their return on investment.​

Rakuten+ is launching this fall!

As consumer behaviors shift and digital becomes increasingly important, luxury brands must adopt new in-market strategies to maintain market share. By leveraging platforms like Rakuten+ that balance exclusivity with accessibility to efficiently reach and engage high-value customers, designer brands can meet their audiences where they are.

Stay tuned for more updates as we prepare to launch Rakuten+ this fall!