Loyalty Marketing

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — In an effort to spread awareness about the abundance of food products made in Michigan, and to help stimulate the state's economy, Michigan-based Spartan Stores announced that it has kicked off its expanded "Michigan's Best" campaign in its 97 D&W Fresh Market, Family Fare, Glen's Markets, and VG's, as well as 250 independent grocery stores. According to the company, more than 3,000 Michigan-made products will carry the eye-catching Michigan's Best label to help consumers quickly identify Michigan made products.

MCKINNEY, Texas — Blockbuster is taking advantage of recent pricing changes at Netflix to lure customers over to its Total Access service. 

The company is offering Netflix customers who switch to one of Blockbuster's two most popular Total Access plans a 30-day free trial. After the free trial, customers will continue to receive Total Access for a new everyday price of only $9.99 per month for "1 Disc" at a time or $14.99 per month for "2 Discs" at a time, the company reported.

MINNEAPOLIS — Free Standing Insert coupon activity dropped 3.9% over the first six months of 2011 versus the same time period a year ago, Marx, a Kantar Media solution, reported on Wednesday. 

The decline is the first reported in the first half of the year since 2008, when there was a 3.4% decline. 

“After several years of significant growth, FSI coupon activity may be stabilizing while more integrated print and digital coupon promotion tactics are emerging,” stated Mark Nesbitt, president of Kantar Media Intelligence North America.

CINCINNATI — Kroger on Wednesday launched a new website in support of its Comforts line of baby products, the grocer announced. 

ComfortsForBaby.com will enable busy moms to access and exchange ideas online, offering a community where mothers can share their insights and experiences parenting newborns, infants and toddlers. The website is available in English and Spanish, with the Hispanic microsite designed specifically to engage Latina moms. 

SALT LAKE CITY — Walmart and Sam's Club stores, with the help of associate, customer and member donations, between May 1 and June 13 raised more thatn $27.9 million for Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals.

During the six-week campaign, Walmart and Sam’s Club customers and members were invited to make a donation of $1, $2 or $5 at the register to the Children's Miracle Network Hospital in their community. Additional in-store fundraisers were held to bolster fundraising efforts.

DEERFIELD, Ill. — Walgreens recently surpassed 1 million fans on Facebook, the pharmacy operator announced Friday, and also has integrated its network of more than 7,700 drug stores through mobile platforms on Facebook Places and Foursquare.

Consequently, Walgreens has quickly become the chain drug store retailer with the largest following on Foursquare, while developing a growing presence on other social communities, including Twitter and YouTube.

MONTVALE, N.J. — A&P has launched a new program offering exclusive discounts to pet owners across New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware and Connecticut. The program is a collaboration with the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. 

MCKINNEY, Texas — Blockbuster L.L.C. announced that customers can now get unlimited kids and family movies on either DVD or Blu-ray for $4.99 a month (one movie out at a time) with the new Kids Summer Pass. A two-movie and three-movie pass are also available for  $9.98 and $14.97, respectively.