This paper discusses how companies should develop a customer retentionfocus and initiatives to maximise long-term customer value. Specifically, it examines theimportance of customer retention; conceptualises an integrated customer value/retentionmodel; and explains how usage segmentation can assist in relationship-building,retention strategy and profit planning. A brief case history of Fast Industries, a specialtyplastics manufacturer, illustrates these ideas in practice. Implications for marketers andcustomer value managers are offered and research directions for scholars working inretention marketing are identified.