Special Report: Kmart Smart Rewards Program

K'Ching, Kmart Smart Rewards Program is live and now available at select Kmart Stores. Upon finding out about this new program, I went to my local Kmart (which is one of the select stores) to check it out. My local Kmart had a table set up at the front of the store with applications and cards, they had signage above the registers and at the front of the store touting the benefits of being a member.

According to the Kmart Smart Rewards (KSR) site these are the perks of being a member-

• Get 1% in rewards on qualifying purchases
• Take part in Kmart K'Ching Surprises, a chance to win prizes at checkout
• Receive 10% in rewards on Cosmetics, Skin Care and Sun Care products*
• Get bonus rewards on your favorite products and brands customized to
  the way you shop
• Receive expedited shipping at the same cost as standard shipping when you
  shop at kmart.com
• Hassle-free returns
• Enjoy in-store events, discounts and promotions exclusive to K'Ching cardholders

What intrigued me the most was the "Kmart K'Ching Surprises", which are prizes you can get when you checkout with your KSR card. According to the web page, they could be as small as a pack of Reese's Peanut Butter Cups to as big as a $7000 Kenmore Appliance package.

I have to say this program is a good start for Kmart as it can help build loyalty and return trips. Like I said at the beginning of the post, right now its only available in select stores. From the list they have, it looks as if they are just testing it in a few different states around the US to gauge interest.

I signed up online to get my KSR card, and received it within a couple weeks. I got one key tag card and one wallet card. After signing up for it I've gotten several emails from the KSR program. They have all offered free items or discounts with using my KSR card.

So, we'll see how this program works out and if it lasts to get rolled out to all Kmart stores. If the program is available for one of your local Kmart's I encourage you to sign up for it, as it seems to be worthwhile to join.