BI-LO Gives Away Free Gasoline

GREENVILLE, S.C. -- Last month, grocery chain BI-LO gave some relief to 300 South Carolina drivers by giving away free gasoline at Spinx locations in Greenville, Simpsonville and Spartanburg, the company announced.

BI-LO promoted the event, which took place on March 23-25, by revealing clues on its Facebook and Twitter pages and then on the radio at 7 a.m. each day. Customers who figured out the secret locations of the participating gas stations created long lines in their cars and were treated to refreshments and free T-shirts as they waited. The first 100 customers in line received a voucher for free gas.

"Through social interaction, interest and feedback via our Facebook and Twitter pages, BI-LO learned that the overall perception of the gas giveaway events was extremely positive," said John Conroy, BI-LO's director of marketing. "Facebook and Twitter virtually came 'alive' for BI-LO, as customers worked together to uncover the secret redemption sites each day."

The event was held to promote BI-LO's fuelperks! discount program. For every $50 spent in BI-LO store purchases, members of fuelperks! earn five cents off the price of a gallons of gas, the company said. There is no limit to the amount of fuelperks!rewards that can be earned, and the $50 threshold is stackable and can be reached through multiple trips to BI-LO, according to the company.

"BI-LO has always been committed to helping people save money without sacrificing the things that matter most," said Conroy. "Our fuelperks! program allows customers to save on money and on gas just by shopping at BI-LO. We were so thrilled to be able to offer free gas to our customers who are feeling the effects of the dramatic increase in the cost of fuel."