DH used to work at a small, local chain. When they 1st offered the cards, they were using a service out of FL. This place collected the info, offered rewards & sent us coupons "based on our buying habits." (More likely they sent coupons for brands we did NOT buy.) Is this what you meant?
That store pretty much dumped the program. Now, though, you need a card to get the "sale" prices & that's about it.
Another local store (there are 2 or 3 of them now, so not really independent anymore) had cards, also dumped the program. They still give out coupons based on your purchases, but it's done immediately. e.g. a coupon for Nabisco crackers will be on the back of your tape if you purchase store brand crackers.
Regular shelf prices tend to be about the same at both stores now. In the past, the 2nd store was always cheaper - until they started using cards. Now, the put the "shelf" price UP when something will be "on sale." (So you get 40 cents off, but still pay the same - or it's BOGO but instead of $2.99 it's now $3.99 - that kind of stuff.)
