Woolworths welcomes American Express

Embargoed to: 2 June 2002

Woolworths welcomes American Express

Auckland, 2 June 2002 - American Express cardmembers can use their favourite plastic at Woolworths (NZ) Ltd supermarkets around the country for the first time from Tuesday 4 June. Woolworths is the first national supermarket chain* to welcome American Express.

There are 85 Woolworths, Big Fresh and Price Chopper supermarkets from the Far North to Invercargill so it will be much easier to use American Express Cards for everyday purchases. (The Woolworths at Gull chain of 26 convenience stores, already accepts American Express)

Andrew Davidson, Chief Executive Officer of Woolworths (NZ) Ltd, said the company aimed to give customers maximum choice, not only in food products but also in aspects of service such as methods of payment.

“Many of our customers have American Express cards and would like to use them in our supermarkets. We are glad to be able to give them that opportunity,” Mr Davidson said.

American Express Vice President and Country Manager, Atul Mathur, said that American Express Cardmembers were increasingly insistent on using their card for every-day purchases.

“With the successful promotion of our Membership Rewards programme and the Turbo double-points option our Cardmembers have never had more reason to use their card. With Woolworths now welcoming American Express they have never had a better opportunity.”

A special promotion to promote the new facility will be launched at Woolworths and Big Fresh stores nationwide on 17 June.

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* Other supermarkets to welcome American Express include the Foodtown chain (North Island) and a range of SuperValue FreshChoice, Pak “n Save and New World franchises around the country.

American Express is a diversified worldwide travel, financial and network services company. Founded in 1850, it is a leader in charge and credit cards, Travellers Cheques, travel, financial planning, investment products, insurance and international banking. It is supporting New Zealand’s defence of the America’s Cup through its sponsorship of American Express Viaduct Harbour.

Background Information

- 20% of American Express Cardmembers would spend more in a supermarket which accepts the American Express Card. (American Express Survey Research).

- American Express Cardmembers’ average supermarket spending is 70% more than other card users. (American Express Survey Research)

- 44% of American Express Cardmembers shop at retail outlets at least once per week (American Express Survey Research)

General Information

- American Express is the world’s largest card company in terms of cards issued and charge volumes (Nilson Report)

- American Express Cardmembers are more loyal. They tend to prefer to shop at stores where their cards are accepted - 83% will look for the American Express decal or sticker before entering the establishment. (American Express Survey Research)

- American Express issues the Personal (Green), Gold, Platinum, Small Business and Corporate Charge Cards, the American Express Blue and Gold Credit Cards, the American Express Team New Zealand Classic and Gold Credit Cards, the Wrightsons Card specially designed for the rural sector, and a range of “affinity’ cards with premium business organisations.

- Worldwide, American Express signs up one new merchant every minute.

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