Washington Independent to Launch ‘Virtual Wallet’

MICHAEL GARRY

MONTESANO, Wash. — Pick-Rite Thriftway, a one-store operator here, will be introducing a loyalty system this week that employs a “virtual wallet” where promotional offers can be populated.

The system, from Accelitec, Bellingham, Wash., has until now been used by Haggen, Bellingham, Wash., at its 17 Top Food & Drug outlets.

“As we learn what customers are looking for, we’ll specify offers to them,” said Mark Galland, owner of the store.

During the launch period, the store will have a sign-up desk offering shoppers $5 for their virtual wallet for joining the program. Shoppers will identify themselves with a bar-coded key fob at the POS, though Haggen uses an RFID-based ID in its program.

Unified Grocers, Los Angeles, Pick-Rite’s wholesaler, is supporting the program.

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