4 Gen Z Fashion Retailer Reward Programs that Pay Back Big
We’ve already reviewed some of your other favorite fashion retailers, like Gap, Banana Republic, and H&M. And honestly? Most of them flopped. Weak value, restrictive terms, and vibes that screamed “is that all?”
But now we’re digging into four brands that get Gen Z. Can any of these programs rise up like a high-waisted jean? Let’s find out.
(💡 Helpful tip: When we say “return value,” we’re talking about how much you get back in rewards compared to what you spend. If you spend $100 to earn $10 in rewards, that’s a 10% return value. Higher = better.)
Source: Shutterstock
Abercrombie & Fitch 👕
Ah, Abercrombie. If you remember the topless models and overwhelming cologne from its mall-era heyday decades, you’ll be surprised by the rebrand. These days it’s inclusive, approachable, and has adapted style to appeal to older Gen Z to even younger Millennials, all while pushing more inclusiveness. We’re here for it.
Program: MyAmbercrombie
✨ Benefits:
$1 = 10 points
2,500 points = $10 reward
Special member pricing
Birthday gift (vague, but something)
200 points per approved review
Rewards stack with discounts👏🏻
Available from age 14+
VIP Tier (Spend $500 annually):
Free shipping
VIP-only offers
⚠️ Watchouts:
Outlet stores excluded
Limit 3 rewards per transaction
Max $400 in annual reward earnings
Reward expiration dates vary
💰 Return Value: 4%+
👩🏻⚖️ Our Verdict: Rewarding!
While the base return value of 4% isn’t jaw-dropping, it outpaces H&M and Gap. Easy extra point-earning (hello, product reviews) bumps the value. We'd love more clarity on member pricing and a better VIP tier, but overall, it’s a solid effort.
Source: Shutterstock
American Eagle👖 & Aerie👚
AE and Aerie push inclusivity and comfort-forward fashion which is great for people who want their sweatpants to be cute and socially conscious. RealRewards is AE’s and Aerie’s combined program but doesn’t include sister brands like Todd Snyder or Unsubscribed.
Program Name: RealRewards
✨ Benefits:
Level 1 (Free): 10 points/$1
Level 2 ($200/yr): 15 points/$1 (50% more than base)
Level 3 ($500/yr): 20 points/$1 (100% more than base)
1,250 points = $5 reward
$5 birthday reward
Stackable rewards with discounts 👏🏻
Free shipping thresholds based on tier
Level 3 includes free returns
⚠️ Watchouts:
Must be 18 to join
Rewards auto-issue and expire in 60 days (pretty generous)
Points expire if no purchase in 375 days (generous)
💰 Return Value:
Level 1: 4%
Level 2: 6%
Level 3: 8%
👩🏻⚖️ Our Verdict: Very Rewarding!
This program is actually impressive. Good to very good return vales, real birthday perks, attainable tiers, generous expiration policies and the ability to stack rewards? This is what loyalty should look like! However, we would encourage them to lower the eligibility age to give the teens some love.
Source: Shutterstock
Hollister 🩳
The laid-back sibling to Abercrombie, Hollister brings Florida sun energy with styles that make their customer want to skip school and hit the beach. Great for teens, and envyable for anyone older who can’t pull off the look.
Program: Hollister House Rewards
✨ Benefits:
$1 = 100 points
12,500 points = $5 reward
2x points in your birthday month
2,000 points per approved review
$10 off $40 welcome bonus
Stackable discounts👏🏻
Age 14+
Gold Tier ($300/year):
$1 = 150 points (50% more than base)
Free shipping
Extra $5 annual reward
⚠️ Watchouts:
Rewards expire in 90 days (very generous)
Points expire in a year if unused (very generous)
Max $400/year in redemptions
Outlet stores excluded
Max 3 rewards per transaction (any denomination)
💰 Return Value:
4%+ for base members
6%+ for Gold members
👩🏻⚖️ Our Verdict: Very Rewarding!
Strong return value, bonus points, published birthday gift, and easy tier perks. Hollister delivers where many retailers fail. This one’s built for Gen Z and we’re kind of jealous.
Source: Shutterstock
PacSun🏄🏻
If Hollister is your Florida cousin, PacSun is your California brother. Think surfing, skating, and soaking up streetwear that screams laid-back attitude. PacSun screams youth culture, and in a good way. Thankfully, they're not too cool for a great Rewards program!
Program Name: PacSun Rewards
✨ Benefits:
$1 = 1 point
125 points = $5 reward
Birthday bonus: $5 + double points
Buy 4 tees, get 1 free (up to $25)
25 bonus points for jeans, swim, or graphic tees
$5 sign-up reward
Refer-a-friend: 15% off for both
Four tiers with extra rewards and perks:
Insider: 2 purchase/yr, earns extra $5 reward
Icon: 3 purchases/yr, earns extra $5 reward and “exclusive offer”
Elite: 4 purchases/yr, earns extra $10 reward, Always double Points and free shipping on next purchase
Meta: 5+ purchases/yr, earns extra $15 reward, always double points, free shipping year round
⚠️ Watchouts:
Rewards auto-issue and expire in 45 days
Anniversary rewards expire in 30 days
Free tee maxes out at $25 retail value per tee
💰 Return Value:
4% for base
5%+ for select categories
Up to 10% for higher tiers (Meta and Icon)
👩🏻⚖️ Our Verdict: Very Rewarding!
PacSun’s program is loaded with benefits as you can tell from our long list. Good return values, superb higher tiers that are easy attainable, free product, and meaningful perks for frequent buyers. It’s one of the best in youth fashion, hands down.
🎯 Summary
Good news: Fashion loyalty isn’t completely hopeless and Gen Z is the big winner!
Biggest Winner (if we have to choose😉): PacSun, for the richness and overall structure of the program. But the others are great too, so spread your $$’s around!
Leave us a comment below! Do you agree or disagree? Any further tips about Gen Z Fashion Programs?
