Meijer Celebrates $400 Million in mPerks Savings

Meijer celebrated the five-year anniversary of its free digital savings program, mPerks, which has already set a company record with $100 million in savings to customers this year. Launched in 2010, the Grand Rapids, Mich.-based retailer now has nearly 4 million mPerks members who have clipped more than 1 billion digital coupons, with total savings eclipsing $400 million over the last five years. "The popularity of digital coupons and shopping apps is at an all-time high as price-conscious shoppers are realizing how much their iPads, tablets and mobile phones can be used as a tool to help stretch family budgets," says Michael Ross, vice president of digital shopping and customer marketing. "We're especially proud that so many of our customers are taking advantage of the time- and money-saving resources we offer and continue to enhance." mPerks, which has evolved into a multifaceted rewards program, was launched as a way to help customers save money at the register by offering a faster—and more convenient—way to clip coupons. The free program started as a way for savvy, deal-seeking shoppers to earn discounts without having to cut, print or even present a coupon upon checkout, and it has grown to include personalized rewards and digital tools that help customers plan their entire shopping trip from home. It has a redemption rate that is four times higher than the national average and frequent users are saving an average of 15 percent per year, according to company officials. Meijer was also one of the first retailers to provide a mobile app that allows customers to access shopping tools and receive digital receipts to better track their spending and savings information, officials add. Available as a free download for iPhone and Android smartphones through Apple Inc.'s App Store and the Android Market, other popular Meijer Mobile App features include:

Once customers sign up at mperks.com, they can preview and select coupons for their favorite national or Meijer Own brand products that are then stored in their personal mPerks account until redeemed or expired. The applicable coupons are then instantly redeemed when shoppers enter in their mobile phone number and PIN at checkout. The retailer also offers free Wi-Fi capability in all its stores, making it easier for customers to access their mPerks accounts and the Meijer mobile app, which frees up their smartphone data plans for other uses. "It's great to see how much mPerks has grown over the past 5 years to provide our customers with a digital resource that personalizes their shopping experience and maximizes their savings in a huge way," Ross says. "Meijer is always looking for ways to save our customers money, and we're dedicated to using technology that improves and expands their shopping experience."