The Buzz · Thompson Morning Wire

Your Liquor Mart Air Miles are dead. What now, Thompson?

Did you hear about this? Liquor Marts are ditching Air Miles.

Morning from the Hub of the North — here's what matters in Thompson today.

## Your loyalty points are changing

Remember collecting Air Miles at the Liquor Mart on Mystery Lake Road, or down in Winnipeg? Well, that's all coming to an end. Manitoba Liquor Marts are pulling the plug on their nearly three-decade-long partnership with Air Miles, and they're on the hunt for a new loyalty program. This isn't just a Winnipeg thing; it affects every single one of us who's ever bought a bottle of something nice after a long shift at Vale.

What does this mean for us up here? For one, it's another reminder that decisions made far south still ripple up to Thompson. We're a service hub for an area bigger than most European countries, and how people spend their money, even on something like loyalty points, matters. It’s also about what kind of value we get. Are we going to see a program that actually benefits northern shoppers, or just another system designed for the Perimeter Highway crowd?

Here's what we know so far: * Manitoba Liquor Marts are ending their 30-year partnership with Air Miles. * They're actively searching for a new loyalty program. * No specific timeline yet on when the change will take effect, or what the new program will be.

This isn't going to shut down the nickel operations, but it does change a small, everyday convenience. For folks who travel frequently, those Air Miles sometimes added up to something useful, maybe even a flight out of Thompson Regional Airport. Now, we wait to see what the next option is. Will it offer real value for those of us living north of the 53rd parallel, or just another card to carry?

Marla Spence, MiTL Sports Desk, Thompson.

You know Keith and the crew are going to have some thoughts on this — catch it live at mornings.live.

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