Thursday, January 26, 2012

Not So Easy

I sometimes shop at the local Fresh & Easy grocery in Hollywood. They used to have this big station where they offered samples of their goods.  Recently, they shut it down and now only fitfully give out free stuff. I never thought that's why I shopped there, but I have to admit, it's a bit out of the way and I now feel less likely to go.

I've often wondered how retailers figure out these things--are free samples worth the loss of product and employee time for the good will they gain?  Instead, now F&E has got these "Friends" cards which earn you ponts if you shop there.  This is the kind of promotion I hate, but is all too common.  Special clubs that anyone can join, the intention of which is to make you more faithful to their brand.

Trader Joe's still has free samples and regular low prices that all can enjoy.  Maybe I'll go there today.

3 Comments:

Anonymous Denver Guy said...

King Soopers and Safeway here in Colorado have free customer loyalty cards too, but they automatically get you the best store generated coupons (so you don't have to clip them from the newspaper). However, they don't get you manufacturer coupons.

The best thing, though, and Safeway's card earns points that can be used for discounts on gas at Circle K gas stations! And the discount often brings the price down 10 cents. I'm paying about $2.85 a gallon for regular these days. And you just run the card in the credit card slot to activate.

King Soopers has the same deal, but nearly as many gas stations you can use it in.

7:48 AM, January 26, 2012  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

10 cents doesn't seem all that generous. Isn't it common to be able to save a dollar or more per gallon, at least up to the maximum, 30 gallons at our stores.

4:18 PM, January 27, 2012  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

10 cents doesn't seem all that generous. Isn't it common to be able to save a dollar or more per gallon, at least up to the maximum, 30 gallons at our stores.

4:18 PM, January 27, 2012  

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