Wendy’s launches weekly Rewards Drops

Wendy’s began a four-week merchandise giveaway for loyalty members on May 13, adding limited-edition swag to its app-based rewards program. The chain said the promotion, called Wendy’s Rewards Drops, runs on Wednesdays from May 13 through June 3 and is open to Wendy’s Rewards members in the United States. The first giveaway offered a reusable tote bag starting at 3 p.m. Eastern time on May 13. Wendy’s said the items are available in limited quantities and distributed on a first-come, first-served basis. ### When do the Wendy’s drops happen? Wendy’s said the giveaways open every Wednesday at 3 p.m. ET, or 2 p.m. Central time, and each drop stays live for one hour only. The company said the promotion covers four dates: May 13, May 20, May 27 and June 3. The company’s website says members should watch for an email or push notification before each release. (wendys.com) Wendy’s said the merchandise is not sold through regular retail channels and is only available through the rewards program during the drop window. ### What was in the first giveaway? May 13 was the opening drop, and Wendy’s said the first item was a tote bag featuring the Frosty mascot and blue-and-white pinstripes. (wendys.com) USA Today reported that the bag became available to Wendy’s Rewards members at 3 p.m. ET on Wednesday, May 13. Wendy’s described the item as a foldable tote bag and said the first week’s release was part of a broader push to give members “exclusive merch” rather than only food discounts and points-based rewards. (wendys.com) That description appeared in the company’s May 11 blog post announcing the series. ### How do members try to get the merch? Wendy’s said customers must download the Wendy’s app, create a Wendy’s Rewards account and opt in to push notifications, email or SMS alerts. (wendys.com) The company said it sends a notification with a link to the entry page before each drop. During the release window, Wendy’s said members need to open the link and complete the on-screen instructions to claim an item if supplies are still available. (wendys.com) The company’s homepage says, “When we’re out, we’re out for GOOD,” underscoring that the drops end when inventory is exhausted. ### What items are coming next? May 20 is scheduled to feature a Wendy’s charm bracelet, according to the company’s blog. (wendys.com) Wendy’s said the bracelet will come in one of three themes: Fresh, Never Frozen Hamburgers; Frosty & Fries; or Spicy Chicken. May 27 is set to feature a Wendy’s F.C. soccer jersey, Wendy’s said. The company tied that item to this summer’s major soccer tournament in North America. (wendys.com) June 3 is listed as the final drop, and Wendy’s said a limited number of Wendy’s-branded Canon Powershot G7X Mark III digital cameras will be available. Secondary reports also described the June 3 giveaway as the close of the four-week series. (wendys.com) ### Where is Wendy’s placing this inside its rewards program? Wendy’s has added Rewards Drops to its broader Wendy’s Rewards offering, which already includes points, app ordering and mobile offers. (wendys.com) The company’s rewards page now includes a section promoting “Rewards Drops” as a members-only feature. The company said in its May 11 post that the merchandise campaign is meant to give fans “more than just traditional rewards points and discounts.” Wendy’s linked the drops to other app-based perks, including early access to menu items and loyalty notifications. (wendys.com) June 3 is the last scheduled release in the current run, with the digital camera giveaway closing out the four-week program, according to Wendy’s posted schedule. (wendys.com) Members can find the promotion through the Wendy’s app and the company’s rewards pages before the remaining Wednesday drops. (wendys.com)