AllStar has made the case for curated merchandise and experiences in employee incentive programs, emphasizing the connection between an award and the achievement that earned it.

In a December 15, 2020 article addressing recognition during remote working, the provider recommended involving employees in discussions about program goals, required tools and training. It distinguished that input from the sponsor’s responsibility to select which award options to offer.

AllStar favored tangible rewards over cash or gift cards, arguing that an item used repeatedly can remind a recipient of the sponsoring employer. It also suggested that employees may be more comfortable sharing news of a merchandise award than discussing a cash payment.

These are the provider’s arguments for its preferred reward mix. The article does not establish that every employee responds more strongly to merchandise, or provide a common return-on-investment figure across reward types.

Its practical recommendation was to choose awards for the industry and workforce involved, with recognition linked to a stated objective such as sales or safety. AllStar also advocated using incentive specialists to help design the selection and the wider program, rather than treating the catalog as a standalone purchase.