U-SAVE LAUNCH OF BABY BUCKS SAVES MOM A BUNDLE

WILLIAM SMYTH

TAMPA, Fla. -- U-Save Supermarkets here has launched a U-Save "Baby Bucks Club" in an effort to help new moms save money on baby supplies.

"It's been around only for a month and it is already very popular," said Doug Davies, vice president of marketing at U-Save.

The program is offered in all 21 U-Save locations throughout Central Florida. Customers can pick up a U-Save Baby Bucks Stamp card at any store. After the cashier has totaled purchases, customers present their card to the cashier for stamping. Once a customer has reached a $200 threshold of baby purchases, which includes diapers, wipes, formula, and other items, they receive a $20 gift certificate good on any purchase at U-Save. Customers will receive the $20 certificate every time $200 is spent. According to Davis, a point-of-sale system tracks the baby items purchased and tallies them up at the bottom of the receipt. That way, customers can see what they've spent and can also keep track themselves.

Participants in the club also receive a magazine for newborns, which also has home safety tips for parents. "It's sort of a welcome magazine into the program," said Davis.

"This club for new mothers is being tied with local area hospitals and doctors," said Davis. "Hospitals and doctors hand out our baby magazine and Baby Bucks Club bags filled with samples of baby supplies. This let mothers and expectant mothers know about the program."