Wego launches rewards programme for MENA online shoppers

Wego has launched a rewards programme where users can earn instant cashback for online purchases at merchants across the Middle East.

Called ShopCash, the app is now available from the iOS App Store, Google Play Store and at shopcash.com.

Cashback automatically accumulates in a user’s ShopCash wallet with every purchase and can be withdrawn into a user’s bank account or via other pay-out methods. ShopCash users will also be able to redeem cashback for air tickets and hotel stays with Wego or for purchases or gift cards with other partner merchants.

Mamoun Hmedan, regional managing director for the online travel platform, says social distancing measures have led to people spending more time and money online than ever before.

“It’s been a tough year for many, and we know how gratifying it is to get something back. ShopCash gives you real money back into your account for the online purchases that you make. For every brand, for every deal, even on top of the merchant’s discount, so basically it’s a deal on another deal,” said Hmedan.

According to a recent study by Kearney, the GCC e-commerce market value topped $24bn in 2020. The pandemic has driven a rapid acceleration in e-commerce adoption by Middle East consumers that has been matched by more merchants investing in e-commerce platforms and digital marketing capabilities.

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Merchants participating in ShopCash at launch include Amazon, AliExpress, GearBest, iHerb, H&M, Mumzworld, Mothercare, Mamas & Papas, Banggood, Styli, Nike, Ounass, Pottery Barn, GAP, The Luxury Closet, SharafDG, Bath & Body Works and Wego where users will earn cashback on flight and hotel purchases.

Participating merchants can leverage the ShopCash platform to acquire new customers, starting with Wego’s user base of frequent flyers. The company says it will also be running store, brand and product promotional activities to drive sales volumes for partners.

All promotional activities can be targeted to a geographic or demographic audience the merchant is trying to reach, the company says. ShopCash will also provide merchants and brand owners with access to shopping analytics.

ShopCash will be a standalone brand and product but will also be integrated into Wego’s mobile apps and websites and serve as the heart of the Wego loyalty program. Wego users will be able to earn cashback when shopping for flights and hotels and instantly redeem the balance of their cashback wallets against travel purchases.