The Kroger Co., one of the nation’s largest supermarket retailers, and Shell have teamed up to launch a customer loyalty rewards program in several U.S. cities that provides shoppers with the opportunity to earn savings on fuels when using a loyalty card at Kroger or Ralphs stores.

“Kroger’s loyalty card program is unmatched in the industry, providing customers with savings on groceries, gasoline, general merchandise, pharmacy needs and Kroger brands,” said Jeff Fike, director of fuel marketing for Cincinnati-based Kroger. “Teaming up with Shell allows us to provide even more savings and rewards to our customers, which we know is important, especially in today’s economic times.”

On Feb. 15, Kroger and Shell rolled out the program in Cincinnati; Dayton, Ohio; Knoxville, Tenn.; Nashville, Tenn.; and San Diego. Customers in those markets can earn points on select grocery purchases at Kroger and Ralphs stores using their loyalty cards, and then redeem those points for savings on gasoline at Kroger Fuel Centers and participating Shell stations. Customers earn one Fuel Point for every dollar spent. To help shoppers build savings, Fuel Points are also earned when purchasing prescriptions or gift cards at Kroger. Every two eligible prescriptions or a purchase of $50 in gift cards earns 100 Fuel Points.

Fuel rewards include a minimum of 10 cents off a gallon of gasoline for every 100 Fuel Points earned. This offer is valid up to 35 gallons per fuel purchase. Offers may vary per market, and plans for future rollouts of the program will be determined following the launch of these five markets, according to the companies.

Fuel Points will be automatically added to loyalty card accounts and will be reflected on grocery receipts after every purchase. Customers can also look online on their “My Kroger” or “My Ralphs” page to check their Fuel Points balance.

Customers redeem Fuel Points by swiping a participating loyalty card at the pump, manually entering their card number or entering their alternate ID.

“Approximately 40 percent of all U.S. households hold a loyalty card from one of Kroger’s family of stores and more than 80 percent of Americans live within five miles of a Shell station,” noted Dan Little, North America fuels marketing manager for Houston-based Shell Oil Products US. “As leading national brands, the exclusive alliance between Shell and Kroger will allow customers to earn savings on everyday purchases and redeem them for high-quality Shell Nitrogen Enriched Gasolines.”

To participate, customers need to use their active Kroger Plus Card or Ralphs rewards Card, or apply for one. Applications are available at any Kroger or Ralphs store, or by visiting www.kroger.com.

Source: Convenience Store News