Jewel card going digital for more savings

Lisle-based Concept Shopping Inc. (www.conceptshopping.com) is behind your Jewel-Osco Preferred Customer card.

That's the plastic card you use at the check-out register to save money on featured grocery items and other products. The loyalty program card tracks your buying habits and then offers you special deals online at www.SaveAtJewel.com.

By next month, Concept Shopping plans to unveil a mobile version for your cell phone or personal digital assistant.

"This way, you can get a text message or a link on your mobile phone screen that offer even more deals," said John Hennessy, Concept Shopping vice president of sales and marketing.

Since 1998, Concept Shopping has worked with companies like SuperValu Inc./Albertsons, the parent company of Jewel-Osco, to match customers with special deals and coupons for their favorite or most-bought items.

The Jewel partnership reaches about 600 stores in Illinois, Pennsylvania, Nevada and California. About 100 manufacturers, including Proctor & Gamble, Pepsi, Miller Brewing and others, participate in the program.

In addition to a mobile version, Concept Shopping also has been working with Prospect Heights-based HSBC-North America, known for credit and debit cards, to create a specially combined debit or credit card with a loyalty program for different retailers. This way, consumers can use the same card to receive discounts and then pay for the item, said Hennessy.

"We've been in conversations with many retailers to make it work," said Hennessy.

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