Content about Loyalty program

PLEASANTON, Calif. — Safeway shares dropped dramatically Thursday morning as the company reported $10 billion in sales for its first quarter 2013 ended March 23, which is essentially flat as compared with the first quarter of 2012. An identical-store sales increase of 1.5% (excluding fuel) was offset primarily by the disposition of Genuardi's stores in 2012 and lower fuel sales in 2013. 

According to research, ownership of smartphones and tablets in particular have grown rapidly over the past couple of years, and that has created a multi-headed omnichannel hydra of a customer who retailers across all channels are desperately trying to appease.

Google has officially unveiled its testing program for Google Shopping Express, its new online delivery service in the San Francisco Bay area, signing up with retailers like Target, Walgreens and Raley's to allow customers to receive items directly from store shelves at their homes within a day.

SEATTLE — Starbucks today at the company's annual meeting of shareholders unveiled plans to expand its My Starbucks Rewards loyalty program to reward customers who purchase Starbucks-brand products in their local grocery stores.

Smart device usage has become an active part of in-store shopping. According to a recent poll of Accent-Health smart device owners, nearly 3-out-of-5 have used their phone or tablet to aid in product selection while shopping in-store. However, consumers are more likely to research their next TV on their mobile device than their prescription medication. According to AccentHealth VP market research, Natalie Hill, "When it comes to medical treatment, healthcare professionals remain the most trusted source for information.

MINNEAPOLIS — Target is planning a rollout in Canada that will be bigger than any single year's worth of its store openings in the United States ever, executives of the company said Wednesday morning in a call with Wall Street analysts to discuss the mass merchandise retailer's fourth-quarter and full-year 2012 results.

GREENVILLE, S.C. — Bi-Lo on Wednesday launched in all of its pharmacies a prescription program that significantly enhances the offerings of its existing program. The expanded program runs through the Bi-Lo BonusCard and offers deep discounts on more than 450 generic medications and varied discounts on name-brand and other generic medication.

WOONSOCKET, R.I. — CVS Caremark has launched what it called the "latest evolution" of its ExtraCare loyalty card program.

The chain announced Monday the launch of the ExtraCare Pharmacy & Health Rewards program, which allows members to earn larger and more frequent rewards when filling prescriptions or making healthy decisions, as well as providing another choice for members and giving them the ability to opt-in to parts of the program most relevant to their needs and preferences.

CHICAGO — One-in-5 consumers between the ages of 35 years and 54 years are choosing products due to a loyalty card discount, SymphonyIRI Group reported Wednesday as part of its fourth quarter 2012 MarketPulse survey. And almost one-third are forsaking their preferred brands due to a sale price. The survey found that shopper sentiment dropped to its lowest point since Q3 2011.

PLEASANTON, Calif. — Safeway late Wednesday announced that Steve Burd, its long-time chairman and CEO, will retire at the company's annual stockholders meeting on May 14, 2013. Safeway's board will begin a search for a successor, and will consider both internal and external candidates for the job, the grocer stated.  

CARLISLE, Pa. — Giant-Carlisle has opened its 100th gas station, the supermarket chain said.

Giant-Carlisle, officially known as Giant Food Stores and owned by Ahold, said the gas station opened at a store in Souderton, Pa. The chain offers a loyalty program, Gas Extra Rewards, that provides discounts on gas when people shop at the supermarket's front end and pharmacy.

DALLAS — AffordRx.com is making a prescription discount card that offers savings of up to 75% at more than 56,000 pharmacies across the country available to all residents of the United States, the company said.

The company said the cards would be available without restrictions on membership and that there were no income requirements, age limitations or applications.

"We are excited to launch this program, potentially saving Americans millions of dollars on their prescription medication," AffordRx spokesman Dylan Marc said.