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Health & Fitness

The Frequent Shopper Treadmill

For better or worse, I'm afraid frequent shopper cards are here to stay. Share my journey from adoring fan to weary skeptic.

It started out innocently enough. I first experienced the “frequent shopper” phenomenon at a great sandwich cart parked in front of the Lowe's that I used to frequent. Before Home Depot sprouted up a mere 5 minutes from where I live, I had to drive about 20 minutes away to Lowe's for my home improvement needs. The local franchise of Dominic’s of New York lured me in with the aroma of sausage, mushroom and onion sandwiches sautéing on their grill. The tasty food served by the personable man doing the cooking was enough to turn me into a repeat customer.

That's when it happened. As I paid for my food, the man asked if I had a frequent diner card. He explained that after my card had been stamped a certain number of times I would be eligible for a free sandwich. Now I'd have to be crazy to pass up an offer like that, right? He stamped my first card and I threw it into the black hole otherwise known as my purse. The next time I ate there, I couldn't find the card, but the owner assured me that this was no problem. He just stamped a new one that could be combined with the first whenever I found it. By the time I had earned a free sandwich, I had four cards stapled together. Reaching that goal was every bit as satisfying as I had imagined it would be. But then..he gave me a new card.

I don't think it's possible to make a purchase anymore without being asked for a customer card. I have cards for Office Depot, Panera, two grocery stores, Dick’s, the bookstore, Loafers and the hairdresser. Unfortunately, the novelty began to fade when I realized that they were becoming a nuisance. My collection is now big enough to need its own little drawstring carrying case and when the clerk asks for my card, I must rifle through the pile apologetically.

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Although it will be a challenge, I’ve decided that a purge is in order. I am one stamp away from a free sandwich at Panera and two punches shy of a loaf of bread, but after I collect the items coming to me, when the proprietors offer me a new card, I will resolutely say "no thanks," despite their judgmental stares.

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