"<RJ>" wrote:
> We've just moved to Arizona from the East coast.
>
> I'd heard people complaining about "store cards",
> but I hadn't realized how pervasive it was.
>
> Is this a West coast phenomenon ?

Hell, no! Where were you on the East Coast? Where I'm from (NYS), cards were
offered by almost every store - the biggies in the Finger Lakes Region were
Wegman's and Top's.

Now that *I* am in the West (Utah), the cards to have are Albertson's and
Smith's.*

* Smith's Stores recently took over the Fred Meyer stores. Smith's parent
company is actually Kroger. Fred Meyer had been Kroger stores too, so there
really is no difference.


> Every grocery store, every drug store, even Ace hardware
> wants you to sign up for their "shoppers card".

Wegman's had been (and may still be) married up with a building supply store
called Chase Pitkin. Chase Pitkin had its own card, but signing up for a
Wegman's card automatically qualified you for a Chase Pitkin card if you
wanted to get one.


> Then, they have a two-tier price system.
> The "club price" ( which I see as the regular price )
> and the "store price" ( hugely inflated )

Absolutely. They are a classic rip off, but the only way to save on the
inflated prices these stores charge.


> All merchandise is scanned to the inventory control computer.
> If the retailer wants to know "whats selling", all he's got to do
> is call up todays ( or this weeks) sales, by item, or by volume.
>
> Why in heavens name does he need to know specifically
> what John, or Mary bought today ?
>
> Can anyone offer any insight ??

Big Brother is watching.