Keep Customers Smiling

With all of the current emphasis on overall health and wellness at the store level, it makes perfect sense for grocers to focus on consistent oral care as an integral part of a healthier lifestyle.

For instance, Matthews, N.C.-based Harris Teeter’s “Healthy Smile Rewards Offer” enables shoppers to earn one point on their VIC (“Very Important Customer”) loyalty cards for every dollar spent on any combination of oral care products, including mouthwash, toothpaste, toothbrushes, dental floss and whitening strips, through Dec. 7, 2010. Customers who amass 40 points earn a $5 reward.

Meanwhile, Giant Food LLC, based in Carlisle, Pa., has the idea that it’s best to get consumers started on positive habits while they’re still young. The Ahold USA division’s “Kid Healthy Ideas” store field trip program for children in grades pre-K through 6 provides instruction not only on healthy living and nutrition and critical thinking, but also on good oral health care practices.