Albertsons changes up preferred card (Boise, Pocatello: 2013, how much, live)

[pw72]

Not huge news in the big scheme of things, but I have noticed that Albertsons now does not require their preferred card for preferred savings. Instead, you can use it to accumulate points for cash, or gas. This is similar to the Fred Meyer program. I understand they have been testing this for the past year in various markets, and it is just now reaching East Idaho. Hope overall pricing doesn't rise because of this.

[cleosmom]

Not to worry, pricing will rise just due to the wind blowing

[pw72]

Yeah, I agree. Grocery stores are no different than most retail outlets. How do we maintain a profit? Albertsons can continue to offer these "bonus buys", but one never knows how much of a "Bonus" you get. The gas/cash back is somewhat appealing, but you would have to spend a lot to get back just a little. Apparently they are looking to attain a brand loyalty here. Well, that's OK, but brand loyalty needs to have reasonable rewards. Most smart consumers can see through these plans that actually offer less at the end of the day.

[zoso1979]

[quote=pw72;30119400] The gas/cash back is somewhat appealing, but you would have to spend a lot to get back just a little. quote]

I might add "you have to spend a lot at HIGHER prices" to get back just a little. Just shop at cheaper places and be done with it.

[Mtn. States Resident]

Originally Posted by pw72

Not huge news in the big scheme of things, but I have noticed that Albertsons now does not require their preferred card for preferred savings. Instead, you can use it to accumulate points for cash, or gas. This is similar to the Fred Meyer program. I understand they have been testing this for the past year in various markets, and it is just now reaching East Idaho. Hope overall pricing doesn't rise because of this.

It's not just Fred Meyer, it's all Kroger stores. One can accumulate points in any state using a the Kroger Brand store for that area.

MSR

[pw72]

Yeah, the same with the Albertsons card, it could used at any of their affiliated stores. When I lived in the Chicago area I had a Jewel card that I used at Albertsons for the first couple years I lived in Pocatello.

[Syringaloid]

The good news about Albertsons, is that is is once again an Idaho/Boise based corporation after the recent restructure and being sold by Supervalu. Support Idaho, the Albertsons company and family and foundation have and still do a lot for this state. I shopped at a local Albertsons here in Boise this past weekend and noticed the prices are a lot lower on many products.

[Mtn. States Resident]

Originally Posted by Syringaloid

The good news about Albertsons, is that is is once again an Idaho/Boise based corporation after the recent restructure and being sold by Supervalu. Support Idaho, the Albertsons company and family and foundation have and still do a lot for this state. I shopped at a local Albertsons here in Boise this past weekend and noticed the prices are a lot lower on many products.

I agree Syringloid about shopping for local brands when possible

MSR

[Syringaloid]

Albertsons ramps up staffing and remodels Boise stores | Idaho Economy | Idahostatesman.com

[Mtn. States Resident]

Hey pw72, I was in the Broadway Stinker Station (where McDonalds is). I was at the cash register when another person produced his Albertsons card. The clerk ran it through and I asked what was the deal? Apparently, it is city specific, but in Idaho Falls Albertsons points/cards can be used at the Stinker Stations.

I asked about Blackfoot and Poky too. The clerk said you have to ask in each city, but in Idaho Falls they honor the card.

MSR