As part of the company’s efforts to drive digital transformation and modernize the grocery shopping experience, Save A Lot is launching its first-ever loyalty program.
Save A Lot, which operates 750 stores in 32 states, has introduced a loyalty program, Save A Lot Rewards, through its mobile app. This allows members to earn points (“dots”) for rewards at local stores.
Katie Kobus, Save-A-Lot’s vice president of marketing, said in an interview with PYMNTS that more customers are using digital channels to shop and decide where and what to buy.
“The new Save A Lot Rewards program helps us keep our brand top of mind for our customers in the digital space,” Kobus explained. “It also gives us the opportunity to further integrate various digital touchpoints, including the savealot.com website, customer email, social media, and other digital marketing channels.”
This focus on digital engagement aligns with broader consumer trends. According to the PYMNTS Intelligence report, 2024 Global Digital Shopping Index: U.S. Edition, produced in partnership with Visa Acceptance Solutions, 54% of grocery shoppers expect digital rewards and loyalty programs.
Additionally, a streamlined shopping experience is critical to creating customer loyalty. The PYMNTS Intelligence report, “Online Features That Drive Consumers to Shop with a Brand, Retailer, or Marketplace,” found that 40% of shoppers consider a seller’s online store to be the best choice when deciding where to shop. I found out that they have taken into consideration how easy it is to use.
The focus on user experience extends to personalized offers, with email remaining the preferred communication method for generations. Email is the preferred method to receive personalized offers, according to the PYMNTS Intelligence report, “Personalized Offers Are Powerful, But Too Much of the Point.” 65% of baby boomers and seniors, 68% of Gen X, 63% of Millennials, and 52% of Gen Z said they would prefer to receive these offers via email.
This understanding of consumer preferences has informed the structure of Save-A-Lot’s loyalty program, maintaining a national framework for independent retailers to exchange their dots for free products. However, Kobus said it will allow for flexibility in customizing regional promotions. Additionally, the app will feature exclusive coupons and deals.
“Our goal with this program is to provide personalized deals and discounts to add value to our shoppers and help them save even more on their grocery purchases,” she explained. “For example, shoppers can save exclusively within the app on an assortment of national brands and Save A Lot private label products, such as 99-cent Crystal Falls 24-pack water. Shoppers can earn points within the app. Loyalty programs also provide a deeper understanding of shopper preferences and habits, leading to more tailored and effective promotions in the future. ”
Customers can use these dots to redeem benefits such as free products and other exclusive deals. New offers will appear regularly in the app’s Rewards Marketplace. In the initial stages of the program, the company plans to offer promotional benefits such as discounts on eggs and water to attract new and existing customers, Kobus said.
To support this customization, Save A Lot and many of its suppliers offer core offers that are available in all stores.
“While Save A Lot and many of our suppliers provide core offers that are available in all stores, our independent Save A Lot retail partners customize the app with local offers at the store and market level. , have the flexibility to cater to the specific wants and needs of their shoppers,” Kobus explained. “Localized offers include specific coupons, sales, and even redeemable benefits.”
This adaptability is complemented by insights gained from the new Save A Lot Rewards program, Kobus said.
“Our new Save A Lot Rewards program gives us the opportunity to better understand how our customers shop – how often they shop, what they buy and what products and offers keep them coming back. ” she said.
“That data can be translated into specific recommendations for pricing, promotions, and even assortments, ultimately improving the customer experience.”
