Grocery stores love to make shoppers feel special. They use words like “exclusive,” “member-only,” or “private offer” to create a sense of getting a special deal that others don’t. This marketing tactic can be very effective, encouraging sign-ups for loyalty programs and driving sales. However, a closer look reveals that many of these “exclusive” discounts are actually available to nearly anyone who takes a simple step. Their exclusivity is more about marketing than genuine scarcity. Here are six types of “exclusive” grocery discounts that aren’t as exclusive as they might sound.
1. Loyalty Card or “Club” Pricing
The most common “exclusive” discount is loyalty card pricing. Stores display two prices on the shelf tag: a regular price and a lower price for “club members.” This makes membership seem highly valuable. However, these loyalty programs are typically free and take just a minute to sign up for at the register or online. The “exclusive” price is therefore available to virtually every shopper. The primary goal is to get you to sign up, allowing the store to track your purchasing data.
2. “App-Only” Digital Coupons
Many grocery chains now push shoppers to use their mobile apps by offering “app-only” or “digital-exclusive” coupons. These are presented as special deals for tech-savvy users. In reality, the app is free to download for anyone with a smartphone. The “exclusivity” is simply a barrier to encourage app adoption. This allows the store to send push notifications and gather more specific user data. Anyone willing to download the app can access these deals.
3. “Email Subscriber” Special Offers
“Sign up for our emails and get an exclusive coupon!” This is a classic marketing technique. The offer is framed as a special perk for subscribers. While the coupon code itself might be unique, the ability to get it is open to anyone with an email address. The main purpose is to build the store’s email marketing list. They gain a direct line to send you future promotions in exchange for a one-time discount.
4. Senior Discount Days
Many stores offer a “Senior Discount Day,” providing a percentage off for customers over a certain age (e.g., 55 or 60). While this discount is exclusive to a specific demographic, it’s a widely available and well-known public offer, not a secret or personal deal. It’s a standard business practice to attract a valuable customer segment on what is often a slower shopping day. The exclusivity is based on a broad demographic category, open to all who qualify.
5. “New Mover” or Welcome Coupons
When you move to a new neighborhood, you might receive a packet of welcome coupons from the local grocery store. These are often framed as a special “welcome to the neighborhood” offer. While targeted based on your new address, these programs are often systematic. They are sent to anyone who moves into the area. The exclusivity is based on a common life event, not individual selection.
6. Social Media “Follower” Contests or Giveaways
A store might run a contest or offer a special discount code exclusively for its followers on social media platforms like Instagram or Facebook. This is framed as a reward for their loyal online community. However, following a public page is an action anyone can take in seconds. The “exclusivity” is a tactic to boost their follower count and social media engagement, which has marketing value for the brand.
Marketing Language vs. Real Scarcity
Grocery stores use the language of exclusivity to make promotions feel more valuable and to encourage specific consumer actions, like signing up for a loyalty program, downloading an app, or following them on social media. While these discounts are technically limited to those who take these simple steps, they are far from being truly exclusive or rare. They are broadly available offers designed to build marketing lists and gather data. Understanding this helps you see these promotions for what they are: a fair exchange. You provide a small amount of information or engagement, and in return, you get access to the same deals available to almost every other shopper.
What types of “exclusive” discounts do you find most effective or most common? Do you feel the marketing language of exclusivity influences your shopping decisions? Share your thoughts!
Read More
10 “Discount” Items That Are Actually Overpriced in Most Stores
7 Supermarket Discounts That Disappear If You Shop at the Wrong Hour
The post 6 “Exclusive” Grocery Discounts That Aren’t Really Exclusive at All appeared first on Grocery Coupon Guide.
