Skip to content
MarketScale
‹ Back to Industries

Retail

Loyalty in Retail: Mastercard is Shaping the Future of Retail by Creating Meaningful Connections with Customers

In this episode of Retail Refined, host Melissa Gonzalez partners with Mastercard to explore how personalization and data-driven technology are reshaping customer loyalty in retail. Stephanie Meltzer-Paul, EVP of Global Loyalty at Mastercard, shares insights on evolving loyalty program expectations and the growing role of generative AI in delivering meaningful customer experiences.

This story was produced through MarketScale. See how Retail teams put it to work with Sales Enablement.

Promoted content from Retail Refined on MarketScale.

By Melissa Gonzalez · Customer LoyaltyMastercardMelissa GonzalezRetail Refined
Share

Key takeaways

01

Personalization is now a strategic imperative for building lasting customer loyalty in retail.

02

Mastercard's loyalty solutions are helping brands globally create more meaningful, data-driven customer connections.

03

Generational differences—particularly the rise of Gen AI expectations among younger shoppers—are reshaping how loyalty programs must be designed.

The retail space is heating up with innovation. Consumers are increasingly seeking personalized experiences and brands are harnessing the powers of new technologies and data to fulfill these demands like never before. In today's episode of Retail Refined, host Melissa Gonzalez has partnered with Mastercard, a global leader in the solutions at the forefront of this transformation.

In this episode, Melissa and Mastercard are addressing hot topics like the role personalization plays in building customer loyalty, how brands can leverage technology to create more meaningful connections with their customers, and more. Right off the heels of retail's big event Shoptalk, Retail Refined host Melissa Gonzalez sits down with Stephanie Meltzer-Paul, Executive Vice President of Global Loyalty at Mastercard, for her insights on the evolving landscape of personalization and loyalty in retail.

Key points of discussion include:

  • The importance of a strategic approach to personalization and loyalty.
  • How Mastercard's solutions are helping brands worldwide enhance customer experiences.
  • The impact of generational differences on loyalty program expectations and the rise of Gen AI in personalizing shopping experiences.

With a background in leading digital and loyalty initiatives for prominent brands, Stephanie Meltzer-Paul brings a wealth of knowledge to the table. Her expertise in data-driven strategies and creative solutions has been instrumental in driving significant digital revenue growth and enhancing customer engagement.

Stephanie Meltzer-Paul is the Executive Vice President of Global Loyalty at Mastercard. With a background in leading digital and loyalty initiatives for prominent brands, she brings a wealth of knowledge to the table. Her expertise in data-driven strategies and creative solutions has been instrumental in driving significant digital revenue growth and enhancing customer engagement.

Retail Refined

Part of this channel

Retail Refined

In-store technology and consumer experience trends for retail leaders.

Visit the channel →

About the author

Melissa Gonzalez
Melissa GonzalezTop Retail Voice, Influencer, and Lead Retail Contributor

Industry-recognized influencer, leader, and storyteller in Retail. Lead Retail Industry Contributor at MarketScale. Principal at MG2 Design. Host of "Retail Refined" Podcast. As a global brand and retail experience disruptor, Melissa possess strong proficiency in consumer insights, experiential design, retail technology integration, and brand innovation. During her career, she have created powerful visual narratives through physical spaces, imprinting complex concepts and ideas to consumers in genuine, tactile, and persuasive manners. She have also served as a consumer engagement trendsetter, “pop-up” industry pioneer, and entrepreneur. Melissa founded and launched a consumer experiential design firm that achieved a successful exit, driving initial client wins, monetization, and exponential revenue growth. "Melissa brings both her industry knowledge and an approachable and educational point of view to her interviewing skills. With an authentic style, she facilitates an engaging dialogue, one where listeners can walk away from with tangible insights and thought provokers!" -Jeffrey Roseman, Vice Chairman of Retail at Newmark "What sets Melissa apart is her ability to cut through the noise and provide actionable insights. Whether you’re a store owner looking to revamp your space or a tech enthusiast curious about the next big thing in retail, you’ll find tangible ideas to build on. From seasoned designers to pioneering tech gurus - ensuring that listeners are always engaged with diverse and forward-thinking perspectives. Retail Refined doesn’t just skim the surface; it dives deep into topics that matter. If staying ahead of the retail curve is important to you, start here." -Nate Frazier, Chief Operating Officer of GNC

New to MarketScale?

MarketScale is the platform Retail companies use to turn their own experts into content like this. Want the short overview?

Free workspace

You just read one expert. Imagine publishing your whole team.

This article was produced through MarketScale. Create a free workspace and turn your own team's expertise into articles, video, and social posts. No credit card, no demo required.

NPS +73 · 1,000+ creators · 38+ countries

What you get, free

Your own MarketScale Studio workspace
One video edit a month, on us
AI writing, editing, and publishing tools
In-platform coaching to learn the system

More Retail Insights

B2B ecommerce pulse: AI agents, marketplace expansion, and digital investment drive mid-2026 momentum

B2B ecommerce pulse: AI agents, marketplace expansion, and digital investment drive mid-2026 momentum

B2B ecommerce is accelerating into the second half of 2026, driven by concrete AI deployments, marketplace expansions, and measurable gains from digital investment. The global B2B ecommerce market reached $20.4 trillion in 2024 and is forecast to hit $36.1 trillion by 2031, providing the macro backdrop for a string of notable mid-year developments. Kawasaki Engines USA's reported 500% average-order-value increase and Global Industrial's 9.2% Q1 sales growth illustrate the real-world stakes of getting digital infrastructure right.

  • 01Kawasaki Engines USA reported a 500% increase in average order value through its B2B ecommerce channel, according to Digital Commerce 360's coverage of Salesforce Connections 2026.
  • 02The global B2B ecommerce market reached $20.4 trillion in 2024 and is projected to reach $36.1 trillion by 2031, per Grand View Research via Creatuity.
  • 0372% of organizations reported adopting AI in at least one business function in 2025, up from 55% in 2023, according to McKinsey's State of AI report.

Jun 18, 2026

Zero-click commerce arrives: AI agents set to intermediate $15 trillion in B2B purchases by 2028

Zero-click commerce arrives: AI agents set to intermediate $15 trillion in B2B purchases by 2028

Gartner predicts that AI agents will intermediate $15 trillion in B2B purchases by 2028. As a result, businesses will need to reconsider their approaches to data management, discovery, and digital infrastructure. This shift indicates a significant transformation in how B2B transactions are conducted using AI technology.

  • 01AI agents will manage $15 trillion in B2B purchases by 2028.
  • 02Businesses must revamp data, discovery, and digital infrastructure.
  • 03AI technology is changing the landscape of B2B transactions.

Jun 17, 2026

Zero-click commerce: AI agents set to intermediate $15 trillion in B2B purchases by 2028

Zero-click commerce: AI agents set to intermediate $15 trillion in B2B purchases by 2028

A Gartner projection cited by commercetools places $15 trillion in B2B purchases under AI agent mediation by 2028, pushing procurement entirely past the traditional vendor storefront. Adobe Digital Insights data shows AI-referred traffic already converts 42% more often than non-AI visits as of March 2026 — a full reversal from a year earlier. Together, the figures signal that agentic and AI-assisted commerce have moved from pilot phase to structural infrastructure priority for B2B organizations.

  • 01Gartner forecasts AI agents will intermediate $15 trillion in B2B purchases by 2028, according to commercetools — compressing the timeline for commerce infrastructure upgrades.
  • 02Adobe Digital Insights found that AI-referred traffic converted 42% more often than non-AI traffic in March 2026, reversing a trend from just one year prior.
  • 03Only 18% of B2B companies describe their AI commerce maturity as 'advanced,' according to Boston Consulting Group, leaving most organizations exposed to fast-moving competitors.

Jun 17, 2026

Explore More Retail Insights

Read more expert perspectives from across Retail.

Browse Retail Hub

About the Experts

Melissa Gonzalez
Melissa Gonzalez

Host, Retail Refined

Melissa Gonzalez is the host of Retail Refined, a MarketScale show exploring the future of consumer and in-store experiences. She is also founder of The Lionesque Group, a firm specializing in pop-up retail strategy and experiential retail design. Gonzalez is a recognized retail strategist and speaker who engages with industry leaders on topics including personalization, technology, and the evolving shopper journey.

SM
Stephanie Meltzer-Paul

Executive Vice President of Global Loyalty

Mastercard

Stephanie Meltzer-Paul serves as Executive Vice President of Global Loyalty at Mastercard, where she leads the company's loyalty solutions and personalization initiatives for brands worldwide. She has a background in digital and loyalty program leadership for prominent consumer brands and brings expertise in data-driven strategies that drive digital revenue growth and customer engagement.