A while back, we questioned Stonyfield Farms’ decision to drop its customer loyalty program. 

Now, it seems that the trend may be picking up some steam — although we still question the wisdom of this in today’s competitive marketplace. Take the examples of the Pathmark and Waldbaum’s supermarket chains.

As Samantha Nelson reports for the Path to Purchase Institute:

“Great Atlantic & Pacific Tea Co.’s Waldbaum’s and Pathmark chains have eliminated their loyalty programs. Waldbaum’s terminated its My+Rewards program in July, and Pathmark ditched its Perks card in early August. Both chains are using a ‘Hassle-Free Savings’ slogan to present the change as a way to make it easier for all shoppers to benefit from sales. Checkout signs tout the move in stores; circular features, carousel ads on chain home pages and Facebook updates support.”

“While sister chains A&P and Superfresh are still using loyalty cards, they have joined Pathmark and Waldbaum’s in plugging store-wide cost reductions with the message ‘We’ve priced it right! Great prices on the items you buy most.'”

 What do YOU think about this tactic?