h.h. Gregg Appliances, Inc., a now-defunct appliance and electronics retailer, utilized a private label credit card program through GE Capital Retail Bank (now Synchrony Bank) under the name “h.h. Gregg | GE Finance.” This partnership was crucial for driving sales and increasing customer loyalty.
The primary function of the h.h. Gregg | GE Finance card was to offer customers financing options, making large appliance and electronics purchases more accessible. These options often included promotional periods with deferred interest, allowing customers to pay off their purchases within a specified timeframe without accruing interest. This strategy proved particularly effective in attracting budget-conscious consumers and boosting sales volume, especially during peak seasons and promotional events.
GE Finance managed the credit risk associated with the program, handling credit approvals, billing, and collections. This relieved h.h. Gregg of these operational burdens, allowing them to focus on sales and marketing efforts. The partnership also benefited GE Capital, providing them with a large customer base and opportunities to generate revenue through interest charges and transaction fees.
The card offered several incentives to encourage usage. These often included exclusive discounts, special financing offers, and rewards programs. For example, cardholders might receive early access to sales events or earn points for every dollar spent, which could be redeemed for store credit or other rewards. These perks aimed to cultivate customer loyalty and encourage repeat purchases at h.h. Gregg stores.
However, the h.h. Gregg | GE Finance program also faced challenges. Deferred interest plans, while attractive, could lead to significant charges if the balance wasn’t paid in full within the promotional period. This often resulted in customer complaints and negative publicity. Furthermore, the high interest rates associated with the card after the promotional period ended could be burdensome for some customers.
The downfall of h.h. Gregg in 2017 ultimately led to the termination of the partnership with GE Finance. When h.h. Gregg filed for bankruptcy, its stores were closed, and the credit card program was discontinued. Existing cardholders were likely transitioned to different Synchrony Bank credit products or offered alternative financing solutions.
In conclusion, the h.h. Gregg | GE Finance program played a significant role in the retailer’s business model by providing financing options and encouraging customer loyalty. While the program offered benefits such as increased sales and attractive promotional offers, it also presented challenges related to deferred interest and high interest rates. The eventual closure of h.h. Gregg marked the end of this financial partnership.