Busch's eliminates spending minimum on MyWay loyalty program
Ann Arbor-based grocery store chain Busch's eliminated the spending minimum on its customer loyalty program in a bid to boost interest in daily deals offered at its 15 locations.
Busch's has four stores in Washtenaw County, including this one on South Main Street in Ann Arbor.
File photo | AnnArbor.com
But the chain dropped that requirement earlier this week, meaning that customers with a MyWay card can get the deals no matter how much they spend.
"Special promotions change from time to time just the same as periodic sale offers change at any retailer," said Kim Brown, director of marketing for Busch's, in an e-mailed response to questions. "MyWay will continue to grow and become even more exciting as we continue to offer more services and aim to provide value and convenience to our guests."
The change comes about 16 months after Busch's launched the loyalty program as a response to competitors such as Kroger, whose loyalty program members don't have to reach a spending limit to access sales. Busch's, which has four stores in Washtenaw County, spent about a year planning and designing the system.
The Busch's MyWay program also gives customers the chance to receive e-mailed notifications of sales, create customized online shopping lists and earn cash for local schools.
Contact AnnArbor.com's Nathan Bomey at (734) 623-2587 or nathanbomey@annarbor.com. You can also follow him on Twitter or subscribe to AnnArbor.com's newsletters.
Comments
goblue16
Thu, Jan 27, 2011 : 2:05 p.m.
Correction to above. I could no longer get a 10% senior discount on Tuesdays at the Northville store without a stupid card and complained to them via email and Kim replied. I was not happy with the answer, but got the card anyway so I get the discounts as they have some good sales I take advantage of. They are way overpriced for non sale items compared to Meijer. The stores are very clean and it is a pleasant shopping experience un til you get to the slow checkouts.
goblue16
Thu, Jan 27, 2011 : 1:53 p.m.
I complained to Busch's when they started this pogram as I could no longe with the answer and still do not agree with having another card. That is why I love Meijer.
Ann English
Sun, Jan 23, 2011 : 1:26 a.m.
By spending "limit" you mean spending "minimum".
mr_annarbor
Sat, Jan 22, 2011 : 12:55 p.m.
Like the others here, the first time I tried to but one of the "daily deals" and was told I needed a card, I handed the item to the cashier and said thanks but no thanks. It's just not worth it to me to hassle with yet another card. Shopping at Busch's is just not that special.
Hammer
Sat, Jan 22, 2011 : 11:41 a.m.
I buy commodity items and meat products from behind the counter at Meijers. Eggs from Bushes if I run out of local farm eggs. Most meat products from Bushes but only the ones on sale. Fish and lamb chops I get from Costco. The level of service and general quality is highest at Bushes, but I find Meijers Shifty Takers to be good also. The best deals on wine actually are at whole foods. I like the fact that the Myway program recognizes your credit card so you don't have to carry another card in your wallet. The myway email program is nice because I can make some shopping decisions before I leave work.
Marvin Face
Sat, Jan 22, 2011 : 2:58 a.m.
Do people really shop at Kroger and Meijer? I'll spend a 100% premium not to shop with the proletariat. Thanks to everyone who's complaining, though. Really.
Ann English
Sat, Jan 22, 2011 : 1:31 a.m.
All right, I'll resume looking closely at those MyWay specials again. When I was told that I had to spend at least $25 to get any of the deals, I stopped looking at that part of the weekly Busch ads altogether. Now if they'll start accepting online coupons, I'll increase the number of foods I purchase from them. But they'll probably consider a program for electronic coupons, which can be scanned right from a MyWay triangular card, first. Fewer chances for fraud that way. Kroger already does this.
loves_fall
Sat, Jan 22, 2011 : 12:05 a.m.
I don't mind loyalty programs -- I think they help businesses track specific users regardless of payment method and allows them to better adjust their inventories to meet customer needs. It's a great tool for both the businesses and the customers. That being said, I'm starting to experience loyalty card fatigue. I have a million, so many that they have their own keyring on my keychain. Too bad there's no way to standardize them and just use the same card for everything.
Julie Martin
Fri, Jan 21, 2011 : 11:23 p.m.
I really like the program, it works very well for my family. I have always been treated like gold by everyone at the Busch's in Dexter.
breadman
Fri, Jan 21, 2011 : 10:31 p.m.
GEEEE.... I signed up for the program, but when the card come in the mail and said "I had too spend 25.00 to get the deal, I trashed the card" No way with two in the house and I use loads of coupons. Just saved 10.65 in coupons at Meijers doubled.....
David Briegel
Fri, Jan 21, 2011 : 7:32 p.m.
I am personally sick and tired of all these programs including coupons. A price is a price. We should all pay the same ! Why should one person pay more or less than another? A special should be a special for all ! I agree with Tom Joad.
scooter dog
Fri, Jan 21, 2011 : 6:49 p.m.
I cant see why people think buschs is so great Your paying 30-50% more for the same goods sold at ANY other stores If its on sale,look out its probably nearing the expire date,or its past it It takes for ever to check out. I guess people don't compare prices,because buschs prices are way way too high,unless money is not a issue.
LauraM
Sat, Jan 22, 2011 : 12:12 a.m.
I never buy any of the basics at Busch's. (such as paper towels, baggies, etc) there are certain things I like to buy there that I can't get at Meijer or Kroger. I have to agree with Ann, Busch's does have excellent produce.
Ann
Fri, Jan 21, 2011 : 8:01 p.m.
I agree. However, if you're looking for a good meat or produce dept. or a certain ingredient in Dexter, you have to go to Busch's. Country Market is cheaper, but inferior in selection. That said, you can get good wine at a good price AND liquor at CM.
a2baggagehandler
Fri, Jan 21, 2011 : 6:36 p.m.
Really?
Barb Roether
Fri, Jan 21, 2011 : 6:28 p.m.
I am a great fan of customer loyalty programs and a great fan of Busch's. Hopefully they will work out the kinks in this program. The intentions are great, they do give great deals but they have to make it as simple and user friendly as possible. They are trying to compete in this tough economy and reach out to the local community. They are truly customer service oriented . That is more than can be said for the bit box stores.
JimB
Fri, Jan 21, 2011 : 5:11 p.m.
I love Busch's but I've always been dissapointed in the MyWay program. I see no value in receiving emails pointing out what you've purchased through the year and mearly showing you the current price of those products along with a tag that says something like ' look at this week's prices on those items'. Where is any incentive to purchase anything. No coupons or ability to redeem points? It just seems like another method to push current prices rather than reward loyalty.
Sasha9441
Fri, Jan 21, 2011 : 4:49 p.m.
I hope they drop the requirement to be a MyWay member to double coupons. I laughed out loud when the cashier told me that she couldn't double my coupons because I wasn't a MyWay member. I am no longer a Busch's fan after that one!
Tom Joad
Fri, Jan 21, 2011 : 4:46 p.m.
I don't shop at stores where you have to jump through hoops to get a sale. No shopper's cards, no gimmicks.
Barb
Fri, Jan 21, 2011 : 4:12 p.m.
I never spent under $25 in Busch's anyway, dangnabbit!
LauraM
Fri, Jan 21, 2011 : 3:57 p.m.
Yayyy! I am glad to hear this. I wonder if they know that Kroger also sends out a batch of coupons each month!!
Buster W.
Fri, Jan 21, 2011 : 3:56 p.m.
@Nathan Misleading headline. It's not a "spending limit", $25 is the minimum.
Nathan Bomey
Fri, Jan 21, 2011 : 4 p.m.
Thanks for pointing that out, Buster. We just changed it.