(Dobbs Ferry, NY May 13, 2002) - In an effort to recognize and reward customers, The Food Emporium, a division of The Great A&P Tea Company, Montvale NJ, will replace the current bonus savings club program with the Gold Points Rewards loyalty program. The program rewards its members each time the card is used; customers are issued Gold Points based on a particular spend level. Once enrolled in the program, customers can earn points at The Food Emporium, the exclusive supermarket partner in its market of operation. What makes the Gold Points Rewards program unique is the fact that customers will have the ability to earn points from strong national and regional partner retailers offering frequently purchased products and services. This will allow customers to accumulate points quickly and begin redeeming their points to receive savings on travel, restaurants, hotels, groceries, floral arrangements and additional merchandise.

Harold Schrum, Executive Vice President and General Manager of Gold Points Rewards said, "We are delighted to have an industry leader like The Food Emporium join our partner network. The Food Emporium is clearly the innovative food retailer throughout the New York metro area and is known throughout the industry for providing its customers with a shopping experience that delivers the highest standards of quality, service and value."

The Food Emporium, based in Dobbs Ferry, NY, will implement the program in its 37 stores located in Manhattan, Westchester County and Nassau County New York; as well as Fairfield County Connecticut, and Bergen County, New Jersey. Cheryl Palmer, President of The Food Emporium, said, "We are committed to providing our customers with a valuable and innovative shopping experience. In this day and age, the customer has many different options in terms of where they choose to shop. One of the reasons we chose the Gold Points Rewards program is that it is a reflection of the type of customer that shops in our stores. At The Food Emporium, we strive to establish successful, long-term relationships with our customers, becoming their food retailer for life. The Gold Points Rewards program is one of the many ways we can make this happen."

In order to make the transition as convenient as possible for the consumer, during the launch period The Food Emporium will replace the customer's bonus savings card with the new Gold Points Rewards card simply by double-swiping the cards at the check out. Also, applications for new customers will be made available on-line and at the courtesy desk at each store.

The Food Emporium Gold Points Rewards loyalty program will be launched in the fall of this year.

If you would like additional information about this program, please contact Andy Carrano at (914) 826-2306 or email carranoa@aptea.com

For more information on Gold Points Rewards, please contact Steve Solmonson at (763) 212-3215 or email ssolmonson@carlson.com

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