Loyalty Marketing

By Kent Smith, [email protected]

Virtually all grocery stores, especially large chain grocery operators, are dealing with the same dilemma when it comes to clustering customers by linking point-of-sale data with loyalty card program information.

And, based on the two very different types of data generated by POS and loyalty cards, it’s obvious to see why grocers are in a quandary on how to approach the issue.

BERLIN, N.J. — For the second year in a row, A.C. Moore Arts and Crafts along with its associates and customers, will team up to raise funds from Sept. 9 through Oct. 13, 2012, for the American Cancer Society through A.C. Moore's "Crafting a Better World" program." This initiative coincides with the American Cancer Society Making Strides Against Breast Cancer campaign in October, and gives customers an opportunity to make a difference in the fight against breast cancer.

Bentonville, Ark. -- Wal-Mart Stores said Tuesday it has lowered its holiday layaway fee from $15 to $5, saying that the move is in response to customer feedback.

Customers may begin to open layaway accounts under the new fee arrangement on Sept. 15, and it runs through Dec. 14.

According to Duncan Mac Naughton, chief merchandising and marketing officer, Walmart U.S., “this is a direct response to feedback we received since announcing this year's Holiday Layaway program. [It] makes Walmart more competitive in the marketplace.”

Angela Myers was named SVP of retail consulting at Spire, a quantitative shopper intelligence firm.

MOORESVILLE, N.C. -- Lowe’s Companies and the collegiate multimedia, marketing and licensing/brand management firm IMG College announced a national marketing agreement that helps the home improvement retailer reach college sports fans where dialogue is a game changer: official social media platforms.
 

CINCINNATI— Kroger is extending its summer fuel savings program through the fall and holiday seasons. Customers can now earn and redeem fuel points to save up to $2.00 off per gallon at Kroger Family of Stores Fuel Centers through Dec. 31.

"At our customers' request we are pleased to extend our special offer doubling potential fuel savings up to $2.00 per gallon through the busy fall and holiday shopping seasons," said Michael Donnelly, Kroger's SVP of merchandising.

Shoppers are hungry for convenience and value and Target continues to deliver both.

KENNEBUNK, Maine — Tom's of Maine, a maker of natural oral and personal care products, has partnered with TerraCycle, a recycling and upcycling company, to give a second life to product packaging with the launch of the Tom's of Maine Natural Care Brigade.