2009.08.27
New discount card at Big Lots
Correction: There are three Big Lots stores in the Roanoke Valley.
Attention Big Lots shoppers, this discount retailer plans to roll out its first loyalty card program this fall.
According to this story, Big Lots will offer discounts when you make 10 purchases of at least $20 apiece using the card.
So, if you like to use discount cards where you shop, you may want to check out this one, called the Buzz Club card. There are two Roanoke Valley Big Lots stores.
Retailers believe that these kinds of discount cards attract loyal shoppers.
Do they work for you? Are you more likely to shop at a certain store, such as a grocery store, if you have a special discount card?
I wouldn't say I'm more likely to shop at certain places so much as when I shop there, I look for the deals the card can bring. I frequently save around half of my purchase price when I shop at places like Kroger or Food Lion when you factor the discount cards in with other discounted items and coupons. I'll probably get this card too, as we get several things from Big Lots because of their pricing advantages.
Comment by Other John — August 27, 2009 @ 5:49 pm
Three.
Vinton on Hardy Rd.
Roanoke on Hershberger Rd.
Salem on West Main St.
Comment by biglickbaron — August 27, 2009 @ 7:23 pm
Auto Zone offers something like this. Spend $20+ five times and they will give you $20 off the next $20+ purchase. (I think my stats are right)
That works out to up to 20% discount.
When given the choice of AZ or another auto parts co. I'll go to AZ.
Unfortunately not all the employees are up to speed on this program, and they don't publicize it, that I've seen.
Comment by Steve — August 28, 2009 @ 11:06 am
Biglickbaron,
You're right, there are three Big Lots locally. I missed that third one. Thanks!
Comment by Jenny Kincaid Boone — August 28, 2009 @ 11:36 am
Instead of requiring me to buy at least $200 worth of stuff before the discount kicks in, why not lower the prices a few percent now so I'm more likely to buy more stuff while I'm in the store vs. having to wait till the threshold is reached?
I refuse to get any "discount" card for any store, I do not think it's the store's business to know exactly what I buy on every trip, the cards are an excuse to get marketing info on the customer.
When Kroger rolled out their card program, their prices w/o the card nearly doubled, the prices with carad were what they were before. I thought that was a dirty trick on their part and I've refused to shop there since.
Comment by Doug Pirahna — August 28, 2009 @ 12:26 pm
Doug- Agree about the 'discount' cards not always being such a great discount. Let's see, normal price of this box of cereal is $2.00. Let's mark it at $3.00 then give them a dollar discount! Now it is $2 like it should be but everyone will think they are getting a great deal! As far as them tracking your purchases no one ever said you had to give them the 'correct' personal information! On the same track anyone ever notice that soda is ALWAYS on sale. It does not matter if it is 49 cents or $1.79 it is always marked as a sale!
Comment by pmac — August 28, 2009 @ 9:15 pm
Big Lots has expanded their grocery department , fantastic deals on basic canned goods and super buys on imported speciality items like European cookies and crackers . The card is part of the game everywhere , deal with it .
Comment by Patrick — August 30, 2009 @ 6:35 pm
There are three Big Lots in the immediate Roanoke area, but actually SIX in the Roanoke Times distribution area if you include Christiansburg, Lynchburg, Martinsville and Danville.
I only use "vanity cards" when I am "required" to by the store in order to get the sale price. But, to accumulate "points" for such things as saving 3-cents on gas or a free car wash, it's too much trouble and I end up spending more time and money going out of my way to take advantage of the "free" extras.
Comment by Smitty — August 31, 2009 @ 2:43 am
Pmac,
You can get around the personal info problem by creating a fake ID, the only problem is that to maintain that fake ID you'll have to pay cash every time you shop in that store, credit/debit or checks will have your real info on them and the account can be corrected in the database.
If I shop at Food Lion they always ask if I have a card, I tell them no and the cashier scans their card so I'll get the discount.
Comment by Doug Pirahna — August 31, 2009 @ 12:38 pm
It is getting crazy how every place wants you to have a card to get the sale price. We shouldn't have to just "deal with it". Places that I rarely shop at I now do not shop at all. Example CVS. But I guess that could cars less about that small loss. It is nothing more that a way to track what you are buying. I know this for a fact from way back when I worked Harris Teeter as they told use that's what it was for. pmac That's a good observation. I noticed that too. Now people think they are getting suuuuch a great deal at Kroger. Some of their sale prices are higher than other places regular prices. This will give me another reason not to shop at Big Lot's.
Comment by Mike D — September 1, 2009 @ 2:51 am