Jewel-Osco Puts a New Twist on Loyalty Rewards Programs

ITASCA, Ill., Aug 26, 2010 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- As shoppers continue to watch their pennies, JEWEL-OSCO stores in the Chicago area are offering a new cookware promotion that puts a twist on one of the original grocery store loyalty programs - trading stamps.

Under the program, which is available at 175 JEWEL-OSCO stores in the Chicago area, customers who shop with their JEWEL-OSCO Preferred Customer Card between Aug. 26 and Jan. 12, 2011 will receive a reward sticker for every $10 spent on eligible purchases. As the stickers are collected, customers will be able to place them on saver cards, which can then be redeemed at participating stores for eight different pieces of Thomas Professional Cookware at the cost of only a penny each. The stickers can be redeemed through Jan. 26, 2011.

"In addition to providing savings and discounts on items throughout our stores, we wanted to find another way to thank our loyal customers at a time when many consumers are cooking at home more," said JEWEL-OSCO President Keith Nielsen. "Our cookware promotion gives customers the opportunity to acquire high-quality essentials for the kitchen, as a reward for shopping at JEWEL-OSCO."

As part of the promotion, JEWEL-OSCO is partnering with Chef Jason Paskewitz of Gemini Bistro to provide shoppers with valuable cooking tips and recipe ideas for the various cookware pieces.

"When you cook for your family, you create memories that last a lifetime," Chef Paskewitz said. "Many of the things I love to cook today are inspired by the wonderful foods I grew up with -- from simple fish dishes to spaghetti and meatball paninis on garlic bread to everyday classics like roasted chicken with mashed potatoes. The cookware available at JEWEL-OSCO is so easy to maintain; it lets you cook the foods you love like a professional without having to worry about the upkeep."

JEWEL-OSCO is planning a number of events and activities to engage customers in the new cookware program. In September, the company will launch a "cookware intervention" contest in which customers will have a chance to win one of five free sets of cookware. That same month, JEWEL-OSCO and one of its vendor partners will begin offering a sweepstakes that gives customers the opportunity to win a full set of cookware. In addition, select stores will host cookware demonstrations. Meanwhile, shoppers will find information from company dietitians and moms on JEWEL-OSCO's Facebook page.