The retail world is still recovering from a difficult 2020 that saw brick and mortar business turn digital overnight and new acquisitions grind to a halt. While most brands were already preparing for the transition before COVID-19 struck, the dramatic shift to both e-commerce and a retention-heavy strategy left many brands reeling. As the uncertainty of last year leads to a return to normalcy in 2021, the organizations that invested in their rewards programs and loyal customers are in an enviable position to rebound from last year's chaos.