Social shopping platform Claim has expanded its services to 10 major U.S. cities, including New York, offering consumers a unique way to earn cash back while supporting local businesses. The app, which originated at Harvard University and grew across more than 90 college campuses, now allows anyone in select metropolitan areas to participate.
The expansion includes key urban centers such as Atlanta, Austin, Boston, Chicago, Dallas-Fort Worth, Houston, Los Angeles, New York, Philadelphia, and Washington, D.C. Unlike its previous model, which required users to have a college email address, the platform is now open to all residents and visitors in these cities. This shift significantly broadens the potential user base, moving beyond college students to include young professionals and other demographics.
CEO and co-founder Sam Obletz highlighted the app's innovative approach to customer acquisition. By redirecting marketing budgets directly to consumers, Claim offers an alternative to traditional and increasingly expensive digital advertising channels. The platform enables brands to connect with potential customers while providing users financial incentives to explore new restaurants and shops. This model could reshape how local businesses attract and retain customers in a competitive market.
Claim's unique model allows users to earn cash back, called "Claims," when they visit partner businesses like Blank Street Coffee, Gong cha, and Chip City. The app's AI-powered algorithm aims to drive repeat customer engagement by rewarding users for trying new establishments. This approach not only benefits consumers but also helps businesses build a loyal customer base.
The expansion strategy includes a referral program where users who invite friends receive $10 in Claims to brands of their choice. This approach seeks to organically grow the platform's user base while providing tangible benefits to both consumers and businesses. For New York City, a hub for dining and retail, this could mean increased foot traffic for local businesses and savings for savvy shoppers.
Head of Marketing Luke deWilde emphasized that existing Claim users in the core cities will automatically remain enrolled, and future "drops" will be curated based on these urban markets. The platform represents a novel approach to connecting Gen Z and young professionals with local businesses through a rewards-based ecosystem. As digital advertising costs rise, Claim's model offers a compelling alternative that directly benefits consumers and small businesses alike.
