Coffee Republic rolls out contactless loyalty card

Coffee Republic rolled out Barclaycard's contactless kit across its network earlier this year

Coffee Republic is adding a loyalty card scheme to its existing contactless offering to strengthen its internet presence.

Start-up sQuidcard has developed the smartcard, which has a pre-paid function and allows promotional top-ups which can be redeemed in-store and topped up over the web.

The news follows the introduction of contactless payment technology to 16 Coffee Republic outlets using Barclaycard's OnePulse terminals.

Factors driving the rollout include a decision to move away from the loyalty-only card, and to extend the use of contactless technology, according to Coffee Republic chairman Peter Breach. The chain also wanted to use the cards to extend the online relationship with its customers.

The smartcard is being offered in three Coffee Republic stores in London, and there are plans to extend the rollout across the entire network early next year.

The chain's UK operations comprise 16 company-owned stores, 53 franchised bars and 112 concessions.