In short
A reward store is an in-app catalog where users spend points or virtual currency they have earned on items, perks or discounts. It gives earned currency a clear purpose and lets users choose the reward that matters most to them, rather than receiving a fixed prize.
Why it matters for apps
Points without a place to spend them lose meaning quickly. A reward store closes the loop between earning and enjoying.
- Choice: Letting users pick their own reward makes it feel more personal and more valuable.
- Repeat visits: Users come back to check new items or to save toward a bigger one.
- Balance the economy: If items are too cheap, currency inflates. If too expensive, users give up. Review prices against how fast users earn.
- Mix reward types: Combine low-cost digital perks with a few scarce, high-value items to keep both casual and loyal users interested.
Rotating a few limited items each month gives users a reason to check back, even when they are not ready to spend yet.
Industry examples
Duolingo has an in-app shop where learners spend gems on items such as Streak Freezes.
A ride-sharing app lets riders trade earned points for free minutes, partner discounts or merchandise (hypothetical).
Build it with StriveCloud
StriveCloud's shop lists digital or physical products bought with any of your currencies, with stock, per-user purchase limits and age or country rules. Physical orders move from processing to sent to delivered, and can be refunded in currency. Segments can show items only to certain groups, and voucher products hand out partner coupons.
Want to try this? See gamified loyalty
Frequently asked questions
What is a reward store in an app?
It is an in-app shop where users spend points or virtual currency they earned on rewards, such as perks, discounts or digital items.
What should be in an app reward store?
Offer a mix of cheap, instant perks and a few scarce, high-value items. Include rewards tied to your product, such as free usage or premium features.
How do you price items in a points store?
Start from how many points an active user earns per week, then price items so common rewards take days and premium rewards take weeks.