This semester, the Campus Store initiated a new rewards program for its customers. Utilizing a free “Purple Card,” consumers can register online and earn points that can be redeemed for gift cards to the Campus Store.

Officially dubbed the “Purple Card Rewards Program,” points are earned by showing the card and mentioning a phone number or Banner ID during a purchase. Additional points can be earned by selling textbooks back to the Campus Store, or by making a purchase online while signed in to the account associated with the card. Additionally, being a member of the rewards program also entails receiving exclusive emails, in-store offers and sales throughout the year.

“We really wanted a way to…give back to our students and our customers,” said Rachel Elam, marketing specialist for business services. “It’s very popular with other retail stores, and other college stores have also been starting to do it. So we just figured it was a great way to give back to students as they’re spending their money here.”

Elam was particularly excited about the prospect of being able to give back to the community that supports the Campus Store. “We want to do everything we can to start creating that relationship and giving everyone on campus, and even off-campus, that special opportunity to interact with us.”

Approximately 2,500 Purple Cards have been handed out to customers in the Campus Store since the beginning of Passport.

“We actually had to re-order our Purple Cards so we can get more in-stock,” said Elam. “We’ve given away almost all of our cards.”

However, some students remain unconvinced of the reward program’s value, with only a little over 600 having actually registered their card online.

Hao Zhe, sophomore computer science major from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, said, “I’ve had the card for a week, but I haven’t seen a reason to activate it.”

Other students are excited about the prospect of a rewards program. “Everybody that I’ve talked to has had a positive reaction and they can’t wait to redeem their points, so we’re excited about it,” said Elam.

Purple Cards can be obtained in the Campus Store and registered online at campusstore.acu.edu.