Brand breakdown
Analyses of popular membership programs, what makes them great, and how to implement the best ideas for your own program.
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9–14 minutes
Why Costco members pay for the privilege of spending more
Slightly more than half of Costco’s operating profit comes from membership fees, not merchandise. Here’s how the fee became the product, why that makes the low prices possible, and what a Shopify merchant can borrow without running at cost.
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3–5 minutes
How to build a Prime-style membership (without being Amazon)
Amazon Prime is often described as a shipping program. But shipping isn’t the real innovation. Prime works because it removes friction from buying. Once customers join, the mental cost of making a purchase drops. Shipping feels free. Delivery feels fast. Buying feels easy. That shift in experience has measurable impact. Research has repeatedly shown that Prime members spend significantly more than non-members. Consumer Intelligence Research…
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3–5 minutes
Build an REI-style membership: belonging over discounts
REI’s membership model is successful because it creates belonging and identity — not because of member rewards. Shopify brands can leverage the same psychology for member retention.
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5–7 minutes
Build a Nike-style membership on Shopify
Breaking down the real core value of a Nike-style membership program (hint: it’s not member discounts), and how any Shopify store can implement a similar membership program.