Frugal Family: Local Loyalty Programs Explained

Last night, the check-out clerk at Kmart told me that I have $23 worth of free merchandise coming to me. “Spend it next time, or whenever you want!” she said.

I love it when that happens.

Before the recent economic downturn, a poll found that nearly two- thirds of American consumers (65%) would participate in frequent buyer programs if their favorite merchants offered them. I’d guess that this number has risen of late; we’re all trying to make our money go further.

Here is a roundup of Acton merchants who reward their loyal  customers with free items, with accompanying details about their money-saving benefits:

Kmart: Kmart’s Shop Your Way Rewards members accrue 10 points for each $1 in purchases. For every 1,000 points, $1 is credited to a  future purchase (on request.) This is a fancy way of saying that 1% of members’ spending is given back in the form of free merchandise.

Kmart was acquired by the parent company that owns Sears and Land’s End. As a result, the frequent buyer program encompasses all  three merchants. Anyone who buys household items at Kmart, a snow blower at Sears or a winter coat at Land’s End and uses Shop Your Way Rewards receives credit that can be used at any of the three  retailers.

: Most Acton parents are frequent visitors at this  children’s store. The go-to place for birthday gifts has saved many of us time and gas by being right there with an assortment of toys, games, books and crafts.

A few years ago, Learning Express did away with the frequent buyer card that needed to be stamped twelve times before a customer earned free merchandise. Now, the receipt totals are entered at the register and there is no card to keep track of.

: Many local residents were thrilled when Staples opened its doors in Acton. Its arrival eliminated long treks (with restless kids in tow) to purchase school supplies. It became possible to stock an office easily. 

Staples Rewards members earn 10% back on all ink and toner, case and ream paper and copy and print purchases. Credits are issued when $10 is accrued in one month; lower balances are rolled over. A minimum of $10 must be earned in a quarter or the balance will expire.

In addition to the above-listed benefits, Staples Rewards members receive $2 back for each ink or toner cartridge that is returned to the store for recycling.

:  If the lines of high schoolers at the door are any indication, the coffee chain has a loyal local following. Starbucks repays this allegiance with Stars that are like points; free beverages are earned.  An “auto reload” feature is available for cardholders who don’t want to miss out on “free drinks and other great stuff.”  Word is that if you divulge your birth date, a free drink will be your gift on that day.

: Hallmark Crown Rewards members earn 10 points per dollar spent in Hallmark stores (some exclusions apply.) For each greeting card purchased, bonus points are awarded. For each three-card purchase, 100 bonus points are earned. Reward dollars in the amount of $1 per 300 points are issued via coupons in the mail.

: Ace Rewards members earn 1,000 points after the first purchase. Points accrue at 10 for each $1 spent. When 2,500 points are earned, a $5 reward certificate is issued.

This program is worth joining just for the propane tank refill discount. Anyone who uses Ace Hardware for this purpose should sign up.

Many folks worry about having to carry cards around and show them at the check-out registers. Most of the stores, though, can give credit to those without the cards in hand by entering the phone number associated with the account. It takes only seconds.