RICHMOND, Va. -- Martin's Food Markets will introduce a new gasoline program, longer store hours and a Bonuscards loyalty-card program in the next several weeks as the chain transform the Ukrop's stores it recently purchased to its own nameplate, according to a report in the Richmond Times Dispatch.
The changes, some of which were announced in a letter to customers, will take place during the next six weeks. Martin's bought 25 Ukrop's grocery stores in the Greater Richmond and Williamsburg communities earlier this year.
The changes coming soon: A new fuel-saving [image-nocss] program in which customers will receive one point for every dollar spent on grocery and prescription purchases, according to the letter. It replaces Ukrop's fuelperks! program.
When a customer reaches 100 points, that person will then be able to get a 10-cent-per-gallon discount at 37 Uppy's Convenience Stores, which Ukrop's also had a partnership with.
Under the Ukrop's program, customers using its loyalty cards at checkout needed to spend $50 or more on a single transaction in order to earn a 5-cent-per-gallon discount. The fuelperks! bonuses that have already been earned will continue to be valid.
Store hours will be extended when the stores are changed to the Martin's banner. All but four of the 25 stores will open from 6 a.m. until midnight. Most Ukrop's stores are now open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., according to the newspaper. The remaining four stores, which have yet to be announced, will open from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. All of Martin's existing nine Virginia stores are open 24 hours.
The chain will issue new Martin's Bonuscards that will entitle shoppers to get discounts in the stores as well as participate in the chain's fuel program. Shoppers will have to apply for the new cards at the stores or on the grocer's Web site, www.martinsfoods.com. Ukrop's Valued Customer loyalty cards will remain valid at stores still under the Ukrop's banner, but when the name changes, shoppers will be able to use only Martin's Bonuscards, Tracy Pawelski, a spokeswoman for Martin's, told the newspaper.
In order to redeem fuelperks! benefits, customers must hold on to Ukrop's loyalty cards to use at the fuel pump, she said.
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