Metro’s Red Flag Value Program helps put home budgets
back in the black
TORONTO, ON – February 5, 2009 – There is new evidence
that the troubled economy is impacting the psyche of Ontario
consumers. Released today, Metro’s Food-Life Balance survey shows
that 74 per cent of Ontarians are dining in more often to reduce
household expenses1. These findings are further evidence
that consumers want to see their hard earned dollars go farther and
get them more value.
“Everyone is feeling the pinch in this economy,” said Serge
Boulanger, vice-president, marketing, Metro Inc. “Even in this
economic downturn, Metro is committed to ensuring that consumers
are getting value for their money.”
The Food-Life Balance Survey also reveals 64 per cent of grocery
shoppers in Ontario are favouring less expensive meal ideas, such
as spaghetti over steak. In addition, grocery store private label
brands, such as the Irresistibles and Selection
lines at Metro conventional stores, continue to be attractive to
the majority of value conscious consumers (62 per cent).
“A heightened sense of economic uncertainty is leading consumers to
be much more value conscious than in recent memory,” said Sean
Simpson, research manager of Ipsos Reid Public Affairs, who
supervised the survey. “The need to stretch dollars for essential,
everyday purchases like food is the new economic reality.”
Deals go on for aisles at Metro
Metro is taking action to help consumers put their home budgets
back in the black with the introduction of the company’s Red Flag
Value program, which is now rolling out across all Metro
conventional stores in Ontario.
“Our Red Flag Value program is designed to ensure that some of our
highest quality products are available to our valued customers at
very reasonable prices,” said Boulanger. “Why choose between
restaurant quality and grocery store prices when you can have
both?”
Metro conventional stores are overflowing with high value
offerings. The Red Flag Value program highlights weekly in-store
savings on thousands of products and offers Metro customers three
ways to save. First, weekly flyers showcase Red Flag Value in-store
promotions, second, Metro’s private label brands continue to offer
premium quality without premium prices and, finally, Air Miles
collectors can redeem miles earned at Metro for free
groceries.
Balance your family’s budget
In addition to the Red Flag Savings program, Metro
conventional stores offer the following tips for helping food
budget dollars stretch even further.
• Stalk Sales – Flyers are a great way to find great deals. The Red
Flag Value program offers Metro customers great value on a range of
products in its weekly flyer.
• Find value on big ticket items – Meat purchases can take a big
juicy bite -- to the tune of 20 per cent – out of the average
grocery bill. So hunt for value in this critical food staple.
About Metro Ontario Inc.
Metro Ontario Inc. operates its 272 stores under three
conventional banners, Metro, A&P and Loeb and under one
discount banner, Food Basics. In 2009, all existing A&P and
Loeb banners will be converted to the Metro name. For further
information, please visit metro.ca.
1 This data was collected by Ipsos Reid on behalf of
Metro Inc. from January 23rd – January 29th, 2009. The survey is
accurate within +/- 3.0 percentage points or 19 times out of
20.
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Contacts:
Natalie Valentini
Communications Coordinator
Metro Ontario Inc.
416-234-6190
valentn@metro.ca
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