The reunited Albertsons has finally clarified some confusion and confirmed what many had suspected but hadn’t quite pinned down – the “Preferred Card” loyalty program is history. Oh, and so is the Albertsons coupon policy. More on that in a bit. But first, “our Preferred Card is no longer required at our stores to receive sales prices on items,” the[Read More…]
In a reversal of the current trend toward gathering our data, accumulating “points” and loading our coupons onto shoppers’ cards, at least two newly-acquired grocery chains are heading in the opposite direction under new ownership. Jewel-Osco will be doing away with its loyalty card before the end of the month. And the Albertsons stores that currently offer e-coupons and grocery[Read More…]
This will come as no surprise to those who do the drug stores, but it seems Walgreens has a problem keeping sale items in stock. Go figure! A new report by the union-backed advocacy group Walgreen Strategy Watch alleges that the drug store chain’s out-of-stock problems are just as severe as frustrated shoppers have long complained. The report, titled “Off[Read More…]
Stores want our loyalty, and so do manufacturers – but in this economy, an increasing number of us are most loyal to coupons, sales and wherever we can get the best savings. A new survey finds that frugality remains in fashion, and the longer that’s true, the more likely it could become a permanent habit. If you’ve gotten used to[Read More…]
Have you seen any strangely specific ads on Facebook yet – almost as though Facebook knows what you’ve been buying at the grocery store? Well, it does. Just because you went through self-checkout and hid your purchases in a brown paper bag doesn’t mean everyone doesn’t know what you’re buying. So much for privacy. We’ve all known that store loyalty[Read More…]
Nearly seven months after the launch of Walgreens‘ new loyalty program, the company is acknowledging what many customers have been saying all along. While the company may think Balance Rewards is the best thing since sliced bread, it turns out that not everyone loves it. But that’s okay, Walgreens says – that just means better rewards for everyone else. Since[Read More…]
Most of us have grown accustomed to needing a store loyalty card to take advantage of sale prices and perks like doubled and digital coupons. Those who refuse loyalty cards quite literally have to pay the price: no card, no savings. Many privacy enthusiasts are okay with that. But some are not okay with one store’s latest move – requiring[Read More…]
Why doesn’t Walmart have a loyalty program? It’s a question many have asked – either because they wish Walmart did, or they’re glad it doesn’t. Walmart’s official answer is that “we want to offer everyday low prices to all of our customers.” But the real truth may be a little more complicated. The question was most recently asked and answered[Read More…]
While some have been debating the merits of the rewards programs offered by Office Depot and OfficeMax, and which elements will survive the companies’ merger, Staples has decided to shake up its own rewards program. Starting March 15th, members of Staples Rewards will get 5% back on everything, plus free shipping at Staples.com. But there are some catches. “Our brand[Read More…]
Coupons are going digital. Prices are becoming personalized. So one-size-fits-all sale prices printed on paper could become a relic of the past. In other words – say goodbye to your weekly supermarket sales circular. At least that’s what Safeway is saying. Touting the success of its apps, digital coupons and “Just For U” loyalty program, the California-based chain says it’s[Read More…]
