BOISE, Idaho – In one of
the biggest changes since Supervalu sold Albertsons, the supermarket announced
that it is throwing out its loyalty card program, The Oregonian reports. The
new owners — five investment firms — said that Albertsons “Preferred Card” will
no longer be needed for discounts. Albertsons loyalty card members will still
be able to scan their cards for uPromise or gas rewards programs.
"This week, we began
notifying customers that our Preferred Card is no longer required at our stores
to receive sales prices on items,” the company said on its website. “Once upon
a time, a shopper card set customers aside. It meant that you were taking extra
steps to save money, and we offered special items that were only available at
special prices when you had the special card.”
Across the country,
supermarket chains are trying different things to attract customers to their
loyalty cards. Safeway gives special prices and coupons based on past purchases
to its members, while Fred Meyer sends discount coupons to shoppers tied to
spending over a certain time period.
“The card isn’t so special
anymore. Everyone has one. So we want to take the special step of not requiring
one anymore,” the company said. “Our customers are the only reasons that our
doors open every day. Because of you, we exist. It’s that simple. We feel it’s
our job to give everyone a great shopping experience, and that includes
offering great prices to everyone.”