Stop & Shop, Shell Expand Gas Rewards

As consumers experience ever more pain at the pump, the Stop & Shop Supermarket Co. LLC and top U.S. gasoline brand Shell are expanding the supermarket chain's "Gas Rewards" program to customers across Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island, New Hampshire and New York. As of Friday, April 29, shoppers will be able to redeem Gas Rewards points at about 600 participating Shell stations, as well as more than 70 existing Stop & Shop gas stations throughout the Northeast.

The program first began in 2008 with Stop & Shop-branded gas stations, and expanded in Massachusetts last May to select markets with participating Shell stations. Gas Rewards enables customers to earn one point for every dollar they spend at Stop & Shop on qualifying purchases, and for every 100 points, they'll get 10 cents off per gallon of their next gasoline purchase at Stop & Shop and participating Shell stations. Stop & Shop and Shell customers can save 10 cents, 20 cents, 30 cents or more per gallon -- up to $2.20 off per gallon -- by using the Stop & Shop loyalty card when they shop at the banner.

"Our alliance with Shell means more choice and more value for customers," explained Mark McGowan, division president of Stop & Shop New England. "While Gas Rewards has already been a success with customers for the past few years, the added ability to save on fuel with Shell helps our customers realize the full potential for savings, which they can achieve through their gas points."

"We recognize that Americans are continuing to approach purchasing decisions with caution, even for everyday necessities such as fuel," acknowledged Dan Little, North America fuels marketing manager for Shell Oil Products U.S. in Houston. "That's why it's more important than ever for companies like Shell and Stop & Shop to join forces to offer customers optimum savings and rewards at the pump."

Along with earning points on regular qualifying grocery purchases, value-hunting shoppers can amass additional savings and points in several ways: via weekly bonus point items that are promoted in the Stop & Shop circular and in-store (these offers are currently valid in New England stores only), Peapod by Stop & Shop home delivery purchases, and out-of-pocket purchases at any Stop & Shop pharmacy, with some exceptions. Once points are accumulated, they can be redeemed at any Stop & Shop gas station or participating Shell station within 30 days from the date of purchase.

"With Gas Rewards, Stop & Shop customers get the most value every time they shop," said Ron Onorato, division president of Stop & Shop New York Metro. "We will continue to explore and deliver programs and partnerships like this that provide real value to our customers when they need it most."

The program is unavailable in New Jersey because of restrictions applicable in that state.

For a complete listing of Stop & Shop stations and participating Shell stations, consumer can visit www.stopandshop.com or www.shell.us/stopandshop.

Part of Quincy, Mass.-based Ahold USA, Stop & Shop employs almost 62,000 associates and operates more than 390 stores throughout Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island, New Hampshire, New York and New Jersey.