Content about Loyalty program

CHICAGO — Through a partnership with Incentive Targeting and HaloEffect, Big Y Foods will become the first grocery retailer to offer Groupon deals digitally loaded to shoppers’ loyalty cards, the companies announced.

Big Y’s first Groupon offer, distributed among Springfield, Mass., subscribers on June 7, was for a newly introduced Shellfish Grill Pack, including lobster tails, mussels, clams and other seafood suitable for grilling, which retails at $39.99 and is being offered at a 40% discount for $24.

Call it “the attack of the coupon-crazed shelf sweepers.” It’s the most aggressive form of bargain hunting by consumers willing to spend hours searching out coupon deals, to stock up with enough product to last their families for a year and to turn their homes into veritable warehouses.


CHARLOTTE, N.C. — In celebration of Earth Day and as part of its commitment to incorporating sustainable practices into its day-to-day business operations, Harris Teeter announced it has aligned with vendors to offer promotions that will reward customers for their green decisions.

The retailer said that shoppers that sign up for its e-VIC loyalty program by Earth Day will receive a free Harris Teeter reusable shopping bag. What's more, VIC members will receive more loyalty points when they purchase the following products:

HOUSTON — Beginning April 13, Kroger customers in the Greater Houston area will be able to save up to $1 per gallon at 68 Kroger Fuel Centers through the grocer's new fuel accumulation program.

Kroger's latest gas savings initiative will allow shoppers to redeem up to 1,000 fuel points, which are earned through everyday grocery, prescription and gift card purchases using the Kroger Plus card, during a single fill-up.

SALISBURY, N.C. — Customers that participate in Food Lion's loyalty program have the opportunity to win free groceries for a year.

Food Lion said that MVP customers in select markets can swipe their member cards once a day at the in-store coupon kiosks to enter for a chance to win. Customers also instantly can win 1-of-more-than-200,000 free national and private-brand items through April 19. Free items will be awarded in the form of a coupon, the retailer said.

WOONSOCKET, R.I., and WASHINGTON —  Patients that participated in a prescription discount card program created by the National Association of Counties saved more than $107 million on their medications in 2010, a new survey released by CVS Caremark and NACo found.

What's more, CVS Caremark and NACo noted, the average discount per prescription was about 24%.

MATTHEWS, N.C. — This month, Harris Teeter is offering current and new members of its loyalty program a chance to win a year of free groceries.

Members of its e-VIC program automatically will be enrolled in the contest, while customers interested in signing up can do so here. The free groceries, a prize valued at $5,200, will be paid for via Harris Teeter gift cards.

PLEASANTON, Calif. — Safeway has promoted Mir Aamir to lead Safeway’s loyalty programs and oversee digital and mobile efforts related to loyalty.

Aamir will serve as customer loyalty and digital technologies president, reporting to Diane Dietz, EVP and chief marketing officer. Aamir also will continue to be responsible for marketing strategies, shopper analytics and insights, club card strategies and pricing.

WOONSOCKET, R.I. — In an effort to encourage healthy lifestyles among consumers, CVS/pharmacy and Weight Watchers have developed a mutually beneficial rewards program.

Members of CVS' ExtraCare loyalty program will be given the opportunity to save money on CVS/pharmacy purchases when they join Weight Watchers meetings. Conversely, Weight Watchers members will receive CVS/pharmacy ExtraBucks offers on such health-related items as blood-pressure monitors, blood-glucose testing equipment, healthy snacks and more.

CAMP HILL, Pa. — Rite Aid on Monday sweetened the pot for those loyalty card members braving the cold and visiting the pharmacy in February.

With the purchase of $100 or more of specially marked products throughout the store, Rite Aid’s Wellness+ cardholders can earn a $20 +Up Reward, and at the same time be automatically entered into a sweepstakes featuring more than $100,000 in prizes, as part of Rite Aid's new Winter Rewards Program through Feb. 26.

MEDINA, Ohio — The family-owned-and-operated Discount Drug Mart added a line of wigs to its already deep presence within durable medical equipment for oncology patients. Discount Drug, which generated $530.6 million in 2009, is in its second year as an accredited provider under Medicare Part B.

CHICAGO Instant gratification translates well among customers that seek incentives for their participation in loyalty programs, according to new research.

Mintel found nearly half (47%) of consumers surveyed said that instant redemption opportunities motivated them to use a particular loyalty program more than others. Such incentives as cash-back opportunities would be a deciding factor, 36% of respondents said.