“I hate “rewards cards” and “club cards” and try to shop at stores that don’t use them.”
Ditto. BUT... If you use a credit/debit card, they’re following you just as much.
The discount the card gives is the reward the store offers in exchange for your marketing data.
Safeway (locally) had a “Club Card” but recently launched a “Just for U” card program which offers additional discounts over and above those of the “Club Card.” I guess the “Club Card” wasn’t paying its own way.