Retail News South Africa

Woolies rewards relationships

Woolworths has launched a new series of store and credit 'World of Difference' loyalty cards to provide a platform for the retailer to build closer relationships with its customers.

Terry Brewis, Head of Customer Relationship Marketing at Woolworths, says: "We want to get to know our customers better so that we can do more for them and offer an enhanced brand experience. We will use what we learn to transform our business into an even more customer-centric organization - using knowledge we gain to make our marketing communications more relevant, to improve our services and to provide a more satisfying and convenient shopping experience.

"Our 'World of Difference' cardholders will have an inside track on what's happening at Woolworths. They will be the first to know - about product innovations, the latest clothing ranges, food trends and key events. And they will have access to a range of exclusive benefits. All benefits are absolutely free."

The cards include an entry level Cash Card with random rewards, special offers and automatic entry into all competitions. The Store Charge card also offers in-store credit facilities, double competition entries and exclusive offers, while the Visa credit card, in addition to the above advantages, also allows the holder to use the card wherever Visa is accepted plus the chance to earn w-points that can be redeemed for Woolworths' products.

To excite consumers about the launch of the Woolworths' World of Difference, all new and current cardholders will stand the chance of winning free Woolworths shopping until 2025 worth R1-million. Every item purchased from launch to Sunday 18 December 2005 serves as an automatic entry into the competition.

Thousands of randomly selected shoppers will also win all their shopping free on the spot and every month one cardholder will win R10 000.

All cards are fully integrated into the MySchool programme through which Woolworths donates a percentage of sales to the schools nominated by shoppers. To date Woolworths has donated over R15 million to schools around South Africa through the programme.

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