Supermarket Giveaways – Can Consumers really win?

It is definitely the time of year when companies try to get more consumers to increase their shopping.
Unfortunately, it has become more difficult to convince consumers to spend large amounts of money on shopping trips. Most persons are trying to find ways to spend less not more in order to meet their basic needs.

I know of several persons who have cut back on their grocery bills by buying less of any items that they decide they can do without.
Some persons have also begun buying smaller quantities of their favourite products which costs them less. These type of consumers are the targets of many supermarkets.

Since the supermarkets want to encourage consumers to spend more they have formulated strategies to facilitate increased spending in their stores.

So what do they offer?

Well, at Michi Supercentre, a ‘Pre-Christmas Bonanza’ is advertised starting from November 17 – December 15, 2013.
In order to qualify for an entry coupon for a variety of prizes including television sets, a shopping spree and gift baskets, consumers must spend $2500.00 or a receipt of that amount accumulated over a period of seven days before G.C.T.
Hi-Lo supermarkets are also offering $1000.00 vouchers redeemable only in November, if customers spend over $5000.00 after G.C.T.

In order to qualify, new customers must sign up to their loyalty points programme.
If these new consumers redeem their voucher in November they will be given an opportunity to get more vouchers.
What about HiLo’s existing customers?

Well their existing customers will have to wait until the ‘Brawta’ promotion which a sales representative from the supermarket says will begin November 28 to December 1, 2013.
At that time customers who spend $5000 after G.C.T. will receive free products.

So are these promotions really beneficial to consumers?
If you were already shopping with that amount I suppose there is no harm in taking part in the promotions. However, if you had already budgeted a certain amount for groceries, then it makes sense for you to stick to your budget.

There might be prizes offered for shopping at selected stores but not everyone will win so shop wisely! That’s my take on the issue!
What do you think?
Drop a line and let me know!

Teri Ann Renee Paisley
Gleaner Online Writer

Tags: groceries, supermarket