Friday, July 29, 2011

The inherent sexism of store loyalty cards

The inherent sexism of store loyalty cards

So, there I was in a branch of a major chemist chain (which shall remain NAMELESS) and I became aware that the shop staff will only ask female customers if the possess a loyalty card.

I am a man. AM I NOT LOYAL?

This happened as I attempted to buy a tube of Anusol toothpaste:

Assistant: "That'll be £5.99 madam. Have you got a Boots Advantage Card?"

Customer: "Why, yes. Yes I have. It's in my purse somewhere..."
Five minutes later...

Customer: "Ah! Here it is, in my purse. Well, well."

And so it is my turn:

Assistant: "That'll be £1.99, sir"

Me: "Aren't you going to ask me if I have a Boots Advantage Card?"

Assistant: "Err.... Have you got a Boots Advantage card, sir?"

Me: "No, I have not, for my loyalty lies elsewhere."
That told her, exit stage left.

And don't get me started on the Superdrug Beauty Card. AM I NOT BEAUTIFUL?

8 comments:

Pseudonymph said...

You ARE aware that the Boots Advantage Cards offers a free box of tampons for every £25 spent? Maybe they (incorrectly) assumed you weren't interested?
Also: You have a great personality.

Phil Parker said...

It's simple. If you are a man you don't have a Boots loyalty card. It's a more reliable sex test than looking in your trousers.

On the other hand, you consider Boots somewhere to go and get specific items and not a bloody day out to have a look around and go "Ohhh, look a ...."

TRT said...

But, as a woman, have you ever been to Homebase to buy a shed?

Anonymous said...

You don't need a card because you don't have to spend gazillions if your British pounds on cosmetics, toiletries and LAYDEE things because you are a bloke. Toothpaste. Shaver/razor. Deodorant. Bog roll. Sorted.

WoD

Erin said...

Maybe you should start buying massive amounts of No. 7 stuff, and then they'd offer you the card.

Debster said...

You get the card and then they offer you free No 7 stuff. Plus its 4% cashback to spend in store. Its the best offer available. And pay with a Tesco clubcard credit card for extra loyalty points ...

WrathofDawn said...

You must get the card, get the free No. 7 stuff and then send it to me!

You must do this thing. For I have been a faithful heckle lo these many years and if that don't deserve a reward, I don't know what do.

Kim said...

"No, I have not, for my loyalty lies elsewhere."

Sounds like several of my ex-wives.

As one who actually once ran a loyalty program for a retail chain, allow me to say that Boots' policy is not sexist, just realistic. Unless they're very old or homosexualists, men don't frequent shops like Boots very often (or spend very much when they do) and thus are unlikely to want to burden their wallets with yet another card. Takes up valuable condom space, and all that.