Inside CRM has a very nice and insightful post on how Apple creates loyal customers. No points, no cards - just pure, enriching experiences and great products. Here are a few that I liked the most:
A store just for Apple:Apple has historically been troubled by big-box sales staffers that are "tragically ill-informed" about its products, a problem that made it difficult for Apple to set its very different products apart from the rest of the computing crowd. By creating a store strictly devoted to Apple products, the company has not only eliminated this problem but has made an excellent customer-loyalty move.
Complete solutions: Apple's products complement and complete each other. Buy an iPod, and you can download music via iTunes.
Media fodder:Apple gift wraps news stories that are just begging for speculation and hype. By perpetuating this cycle of media frenzy, Apple reminds its customers that they're excited about buying new Apple products now and in the future.
New innovations:By giving customers an opportunity to employ Apple in their living rooms, pockets and offices, Apple makes it easy to stay loyal to a brand they already like.