SHAW'S ADDS CONNECTICUT STORES TO ITS REWARDS PLAN

MARYELLEN LO BOSCO

EAST BRIDGEWATER, Mass. -- Shaw's Supermarkets here has introduced the Choice Rewards program, which allows loyal customers to earn points toward Center Store groceries, in Connecticut.

The program has been offered in the retailer's Rhode Island stores for the last year, according to Bernie Rogan, director of public relations.

Points are tracked through the Shaw'sCard, which customers swipe at the register each time they make a purchase. After a shopper spends $15 or more, she accumulates the same amount of points as the dollars spent.

When shoppers reach 250 points, they can redeem them for a $2.50 merchandise credit that can be applied to Center Store items or other purchases.

Customers get a $6 credit for 500 points, a $15 credit for 1,000 points, a $25 credit for 1,500 points and a $35 credit for 2,000 points.

In addition, customers can get 5% off a single shopping trip of up to $1,000 when they have reached 2,000 points.

While points can be earned at any store in Connecticut, Rhode Island or Massachusetts, they must be redeemed at a customer's "home store," which is determined by his or her address. Customers can opt to change their home stores.

The program may be expanded to enable customers to accumulate frequent-flier points, which are offered in Shaw's Rhode Island stores.

The Connecticut program runs until Dec. 31, 1998. Customers have the opportunity to redeem points until Jan. 31, 1999.