Loblaws Marvel Trading Cards - Did It Miss The Mark For Consumers?

Do you know what your customers really want? A trip to a Loblaw Companies Limited store inspired this post.

I'm a working mom who like many Canadians find navigating the cost of living a little stressful.

I haven't participated in the Loblaws boycott. The Optimum Points provided help me to save money. I have a weekly system.

On Saturdays, I go to Shoppers Drugmart first. They carry grocery store items often at a competitive price. At check out, I leave with an additional 15000 to 25000 points ($15 to $25). I then go to a No Frills or Real Canadian Superstore where I can price match and subtract my points from the grocery total.

Recently, the Loblaws umbrella introduced the collection of Marvel Trading Cards... You earn a pack for every $25 spent. Today I earned 5 packs. The cashier let me know as she counted them in front of me.

Me: What happens with these?

Her: They’re worth money. You can collect them. You can buy the album for $5 and display your cards.

Me: I would like to exchange them for the money instead.

Her.... Looking uncomfortable: Sorry Ma'am. We don't offer that option.

I left with the cards and did some research.

▪️Loblaws will make $5 from me for cards I've "earned" when I buy an album to hold the cards in.

▪️I can use these to play games with my (grown) friends. For those of you who know me personally, let me know if you yearn to get together and play superhero card games with me.

▪️As I try to stay true to my budget while I shop, I can look for Infinity Stones hidden throughout stores, and scan QR codes for my chance to win more Marvel stuff.

▪️I can look for symbols and puzzle words hidden throughout stores to complete a weekly word puzzle.

(Great! More add to my tight schedule)

Dear Loblaws... I'm not sure you know your customers. It's like you're trying to sell us grown-ups who have major expenses a Happy Meal.

The MacDonald's Happy Meals are created for children... Could you imagine if they told parents to pay $5 for the box the food comes in?

Loblaws... Your customers want value and they want to balance their bills.

Just my 2¢ and rant over.

And back to my initial question.

Business owners, do you know what your customers want?

You likely have a good thing, but it would be a shame if it got lost in very bad marketing.