Three San Diego malls are trying something new: a shopping rewards program.
Perks, reward programs and cash back are typically the domain of credit card companies and merchants. Enter your phone number at checkout, rack up points, get a dozen doughnuts. Or sign up for the branded card and pick up points as you spend.
Three Simon malls in San Diego County — Carlsbad Premium Outlets, Fashion Valley and Las Americas Premium Outlets — have launched a program that combines cash back, points and perks. Just as with other rewards programs, these require signing up ahead of time. Rewards and cash back can accrued by shopping online or in person.
The program, called Simon+, is the “groundbreaking new loyalty program from Simon that rewards both in-store and online shoppers,” the company said in a news release.
Shoppers at Ann Taylor get 15% off a full price purchase, while shoppers at All Saints get 10% off. Gap Factory is offering a 15% discount off of a purchase of at least $75, and Rag & Bone New York is giving shoppers $50 back on a purchase of at least $350. These are examples of promotions, and these discounts vary by mall and store brand, the mall said in a news release.
Along with cash back discounts, shoppers can get points that “can be redeemed for retailer targeted rewards or ShopSimon credit.”
The language in the program’s press release and website suggests the goal to spur loyalty and draw shoppers to the mall stores even after brick and mortar hours. To sign up, shoppers must head to ShopSimon.com.
The perks program is giving consumers one more incentive to join soon: people who become Simon+ members by the morning of Dec. 31 will be entered into a contest for a chance to win a “holiday haul.” The price is a $2,500 prepaid card to be spent at a Simon mall. There will be 10 winners. No purchase is necessary to participate.
Just as with other rewards programs, this program requires signing up ahead of time and asks shoppers to share their data.
Free coffee contest for gas station shoppers
Another kind of promotion is underway at a chain of gas stations. Circle K is collaborating with Danone’s International Delight, a brand of coffee creamer, to launch a “free coffee for a year” sweepstakes.
One way to enter is by purchasing coffee at Circle K. However, no purchase is necessary for a chance at the prize. There will be 14 winners.
The contest runs through March 3. “To participate, individuals simply enter a phone number on the digital touchscreen at checkout at any participating Circle K locations.”
Winners will be announced in March. Details and rules are here are online at circlek.com/free-coffee-year.