Money Monday: Rewards Programs

WSVN -- Fern Fischbach loves to shop at Loehmann's.

Fern Fischbach: "I'm always looking for something new."

Because she shops here at least once a week, Fern didn't hesitate to sign up for the insider club gold program. For a $25 annual fee, members get 10-percent off every purchase advance notification of sales and promotions and birthday perks too.

Fern Fischbach: "I think customers have loyalty to companies that are service oriented and do something for the customers."

Experts say if you shop frequently at a particular store, loyalty programs are worth checking out.

Mike Letizia: "I think in this economic climate today retailers are becoming a little more competitive. I think it's important to enhance the experience customers receive when they're in the store."

Some membership programs also offer perks. At Costco, an executive membership costs $110 a year but you also get back a yearly check totaling 2 percent of what you've spent.

Ed Flaherty: "I think that all people are looking for some sort of reward especially if they're going to the same place and shopping over and over, and I think that retail establishments are realizing that."

Sherrie was happy with her rewards check.

Sherrie Nivelt: "We got back $163 at the end of the year the rewards pay for the executive membership by itself."

Then there are loyalty programs that don't cost anything. Join up and get a membership card, spend money and earn perks at winn-dixie you can get discount gas.

At Sephora its free gifts.

Maryestela Aguliar: "I think it's very important just for a consumer to ask if a rewards program is available to them. You want to have them feel a little more appreciative of their business so they keep coming in and they're repeat clients."

It's all about analyzing your spending habits and working the perks that benefit you.

If you would like to know more about loyalty/rewards programs or if you have story ideas for money monday, email us at moneymonday@wsvn.com  

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