Your Air Miles are leaving Manitoba Liquor Marts

Morning from the Automobile City — here's what's growing in Steinbach. And what's leaving, apparently. Did you hear that our Liquor Marts are ditching Air Miles? Honestly, I'm a bit surprised this is what grabbed me this morning, but it's the kind of thing that gets people talking at the Steinbach Credit Union coffee break. After almost three decades, that loyalty program is out, and they're hunting for something new. It’s a quiet shift, but it’s going to affect a lot of folks who’ve been collecting those points for years.

<h3>What This Means for Steinbach</h3>

This isn't just a Winnipeg thing; our Liquor Mart here on Main Street, just past the Barkman Concrete office, has been part of that Air Miles system since the beginning. Think about how many people in Steinbach and across southeastern Manitoba, maybe coming off a shift at Loewen Windows or after dropping the kids at Southwood School, stop in and swipe their card. It’s ingrained.

* **Loyalty Shift:** Expect a new program soon. The question is, what will it be? Will it be something like PC Optimum, or a completely new, Manitoba-specific thing?

* **Customer Impact:** Many people, especially those who plan larger purchases around their Air Miles, will feel this. It's not just about a free flight; it's about the small rewards that add up.

* **Economic Ripple:** While minor, any shift in a widely used loyalty program does have a small ripple effect on consumer habits and even local businesses that might have cross-promotions.

For a city like Steinbach, where every dollar counts and folks are smart with their money, loyalty programs matter. Our low taxes are already an advantage, but people still appreciate getting a bit back. Losing Air Miles might seem small, but for many families, it's a piece of their budgeting strategy. I'm curious to see what Manitoba Liquor Marts lands on next and how it will serve the thrifty shoppers of Steinbach.

Lena Brandt, Morning Wire. The folks on the morning show dive into these kinds of local quirks every day — check 'em out live at mornings.live.