Store Loyalty Programs
Most large chain supermarkets have a customer loyalty program that provides an extra incentive for shoppers to shop at their store. There are several different variations and the key is to find the right combination of stores and incentives to maximize your spending.
Privacy: Most retailers offering these programs do record your personal information including purchase history, address, birthdate, etc. Before enrolling in any loyalty program be sure to carefully read the company’s privacy policy and understand how your information may be collected and used.
If you require a card to receive a discount but don’t want your entire purchase recorded, split your cart into two transactions; One transaction for the items that are not on sale, and one for the items that are. Present your card only on the second transaction in order to receive the discount.
Price before points: Always shop at the store with the lowest price. Never let the lure of bonus points result in a higher bill.
Rewards: Redeem your points for items that you actually need and would spend your hard earned money on. This could include gift cards for everyday stores, travel vouchers, or donations to charity.
Here are some of the programs currently available with grocers in the Lower Mainland:
Overwaitea Food Group
The Overwaitea Food Group is the largest chain of supermarkets in British Columbia including; Save-On Foods, Urban Fare, PriceSmart Foods, and Cooper’s Foods.Their More Rewards is required in order to receive discounts on many in-store specials.
The program also offers one point for each dollar spent at any of their locations as well as partners Chevron, Avis ,and more. Purchases of specially marked items may also be eligible for bonus points. These points can then be saved and redeemed for household goods, gift cards, attraction tickets, and travel.
Redemption examples:
1)Black & Decker 4 slice Toaster
More Rewards points 22,000points = $22,000* Walmart.ca = $29.00
2)Marriott $50 Gift Card
More Rewards points 26,000 points =$26,0000* Actual value of $50.00
*Total required spending may not equal stated value if bonus offers are optimized, but these bonuses cannot be calculated in advance.
Eligible for discounts on specially marked items
One card for multiple stores
Gas purchases can accrue points for faster earning
High dollar spend to reward value ratio
Bonus points rarely offered on non-processed foods
Plastic necessary- Card must be presented at checkout in order to earn discounts and points
Choices Markets
The Choices Preferred Shopper Card offers the best reward- Cash towards more groceries!
The card enables shoppers to receive instant discounts on specially marked items and earns points for each dollar spent.
Points are earned with each purchase over $15.00 with points per dollar earned ranging between 1-3 depending on your total before taxes.
For every 2000 points earned Choices gives $20 towards future purchases. Points can also be donated to local food banks.
Redemption Examples:
If purchases are always $60.00 or more, 2000 points could be accumulated by spending as little as $667.00
If purchases are always $15.00 -$39.99, 2000 points would be accumulated by spending $2000.00
Low dollar spend to reward value ratio
Instant discounts
Useful rewards- Money off your grocery bill!
No plastic necessary- Cashiers can allocate points to your account through your phone number
Greens Market
Greens Market offers the Greens Loyalty Card that provides a 10% discount on bi-weekly Customer Appreciation Days and earns points for each dollar spent.
Points are earned at one point per dollar and can be redeemed for in-store food options or Greens Market gift cards.
Redemption Examples:
1) Two Amy's Kitchen pizzas or deli soup and sandwich combo 1000 points = $1000 Actual value of $10-18.
2)$15.00 Greens Market Gift Card 2000 points =$2000.00 Actual value of $15.00
Instant 10% discounts on bi-weekly Customer Appreciation Days
No plastic necessary- Cashiers can allocate points to your account through your phone number
Medium dollar spend to reward value ratio
Marketplace IGA
IGA offers a Community Card that rewards shoppers with stamps after a minimum transaction amount, that can be collected to be redeemed for a specific prize that changes monthly.
Nesters Market
Nesters offers a Value Card that rewards shoppers with a point per penny spent.
Points can be redeemed for Nesters Gift Cards, savings on your bill, and donated to a charity of Nesters' choice.
Safeway
The Safeway Club card offers instant savings on specially marked items in store.
Safeway locations that include a gas bar also offer an additional ₵/L discount for Club card holders.
Many in-store specials for cardholders
Entry into Safeway Swipe and Win contests
No plastic necessary- Cashiers can allocate points to your account through your phone number
Discount program only- Reward program is connected to Air Miles®
Thrifty Foods
Shoppers enrolled in the Club Thrifty Foods program earn 1 point per dollar spent which can be redeemed for savings on Thrifty’s purchases, household goods, gift cards, or converted to Aeroplan or Esso Extra points.
Your purchases are tracked and custom bonus point coupons for regularly purchased goods are emailed to cardholders in order to earn points even faster. Points can also be donated to local food banks.
Redemption examples:
1) $25.00 Gap Gift Card 3240 points= $3240* Actual value $25.00
2) $100.00 Thrifty’s In-store credit 12,500 points =$12,500* Actual value $100.00
3)Conversion to Aeroplan or Esso Extra 2000 points= 1000 Aeroplan or Esso Extra points
*Total required spending may not equal stated value if bonus offers are optimized, but these bonuses cannot be calculated in advance.
Custom bonus point offers for items regularly purchased
Multiple redemption options
Plastic necessary- Card must be presented at checkout in order to earn points
