Programs Loyalty Shopping Store Customer Shoppers Receive Small

Many "supermarkets" (large grocery store) have "loyalty programs," or programs that encourage customers to shop many times at the same store. They have these programs because they want to "keep the customer's business" (not have the customer shop at other stores).

Shoppers can sign up for most loyalty programs for free. They receive a small card or a "keychain tag" (a small piece of plastic that attaches to the ring that holds one's keys) with a small "barcode" (UPC label; a group of black lines that are read electronically). When shoppers "check out" (pay for purchases), they receive "discounts" (lower-than-usual) prices on certain items. In exchange, the store receives detailed information about customers' "shopping habits" (where and when one shops, and what one buys).

Some loyalty programs are "going a step further" (making something more elaborate) by offering "customized" (personalized; changed to meet the needs of one person) discounts to individual customers. For example, customers might receive discounts on new products that are similar to products they have purchased in the past.

Other loyalty programs use a "point-based system," possibly offering the customer one point for every $1 spent in the store. Once the customer "accumulates" (gathers) enough points, they can be exchanged for certain rewards or a special discount on a future shopping trip. Sometimes the points can be exchanged for discounts on gasoline. And some points-based loyalty programs are "tied to" (connected to) "frequent flyer programs," so that shoppers can earn miles toward their next trip by "purchasing" (buying) groceries at a particular store.