SALEM, Mass.,-- April 2, 2001-- The Brady kids fought over them, Andy Warhol immortalized them in art, and everywhere you looked, America was collecting S&H Green Stamps.Today, The Sperry & Hutchinson Company, Inc. (S&H), a leader in the loyalty and rewards business, announced that Michigan-based Carter’s Supermarkets will offer S&H greenpoints, a digital rewards currency. The agreement marks a return to the roots of 105-year-old S&H, which introduced Green Stamps throughout Michigan in 1896. They soon became a national favorite.

Launched in October 1999, S&H greenpoints is a branded digital rewards currency offering retailers and marketers a new way to reward consumers for their loyalty—offline with Carter’s and grocers throughout the Northeast, by using an S&H greenpoints Visa^® card, and online through the S&H greenpoints shopping portal that features more than 100 premiere merchants, including FTD.COM, marthastewart.com, and OfficeMax.com.

"We’re thrilled to be bringing S&H back to Michigan," said Rex Harcourt, Vice President, Advertising and Marketing, Carter’s Food Centers. "There’s a real connection between S&H and Carter’s—people have a genuine warmth for S&H, and we think they’re a natural fit. At Carter’s, we work hard to offer our customers the best values they can find.And the S&H program allows us to get even closer to them in a valuable and rewarding way."

Carter’s, home of the Freshables, operates 20 supermarkets spread throughout Michigan. The only 100% employee-owned supermarket chain in the state, Carter’s will also be the only grocer awarding greenpoints in the vicinity of its stores. “We’re thrilled that the Carter’s folks, with their personal touch and customer orientation, are bringing S&H back to the state of Michigan,” said Rod Parker, President and CEO, S&H greenpoints.

How The Program Works
"The idea is virtual and simple," said Parker. "Customers shop at Carter’s, earn S&H greenpoints, and use the points for rewards. The proprietary digital technology, developed and owned by S&H, allows customers to buy their groceries—something they would be doing anyway—and earn greenpoints at the same time without any extra effort or expense.The points are maintained in our computers, so when the shoppers reach the cashier, they receive an up-to-date record of how many points they have earned."

Starting today, Carter’s will offer its customers the opportunity to earn 10 greenpoints for each $1 spent on most purchases, as well as additional greenpoints when purchasing selected items. The greenpoints program is being launched in all Carter’s locations, and customers can enroll at their local store. Shoppers will see their points balance on each receipt, and can redeem them for more than 1,000 rewards through the S&H greenpoints catalog, online at www.greenpoints.com, or directly at the checkout for greenpoints specials.

Continuing a legacy that has provided consumers with more than $10 billion in rewards over the past century, the greenpoints program offers rewards to suit many needs: from movie tickets, CDs, and household goods, to family gear, books, travel, and even in-store promotions.Customers can also donate their greenpoints to charities, such as the United Way.

"Our idea is that you should be rewarded for the everyday things you do, not just the special things you do once in a while," Parker added. "That’s why this program is so powerful and makes so much sense for Carter’s."

Marketing To The Next Generation
To support the launch of the S&H greenpoints program, Carter’s is implementing an integrated brand-building campaign. Beginning this month, it includes regional print advertising, followed by an integrated spot radio and television campaign.

About Carter's
Carter’s is a 20 store Grocery chain located throughout central and northern Michigan. They place an emphasis on perishable products and customer service. While Carter’s charts its course with a business approach, it does recognize and appreciate that its stores are a part of the communities in which they serve. Local families look to them for their participation and commitment to local activities and causes.Corporate responsibilities are something Carters takes very seriously. Over the years, Carter’s has given back more than 4 million dollars to 2,000 non-profit organizations through its Community Cash Program. Founded in 1952 by Theo Carter, the company grew from a single store to its current size. In March of 2000, Carter’s associates purchased the company from Keith and Connie Bazaire (Carter). Carter’s became 100% associate owned and operated, Jeff Bazaire, grandson of Theo, is still currently with the company.The company is operated equally by an ESOP committee consisting of Jeff (President Human Resource) Tom Robinson (President of Finance) Glen Minton (President of Retail Operations) and Rex Harcourt (President of Advertising and Marketing).