Tom Thumb Shoppers Earn Free Gas While They Shop; Forty-Five Dallas-Fort Worth Grocery Stores...

Energy Editors/Business Editors

DALLAS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--March 26, 2003

Tom Thumb, a Texas division of Safeway Inc. (NYSE:SWY), today announced that 45 Dallas-Fort Worth area Tom Thumb and Simon David grocery stores will offer consumers free gasoline via the Fuel Rewards program

called "Free Gas." Shoppers will receive free gasoline vouchers for making specific grocery purchases. The free gas vouchers are redeemable at 19 participating area Tom Thumb fuel centers. Fuel Rewards is offered by Centego Marketing(TM), Inc.

The "Free Gas" program rewards Tom Thumb shoppers with free fuel for purchasing specially marked products when specific purchase requirements are met. Shoppers receive a gas voucher at checkout along with their Tom Thumb grocery receipt. The Free Gas program is available in select Tom Thumb and Simon David stores in Allen, Coppell, Dallas, DeSoto, Duncanville, Fort Worth, Frisco, Mesquite, North Richland Hills, Plano, Hurst, Bedford, Arlington, Grand Prairie, Flower Mound, Mansfield, Grapevine, Lewisville, Keller, Garland and Rowlett.

Examples of what shoppers can purchase to receive free gasoline include (offers vary by store):

    Two, 3 roll packs of Brawny Paper Towels = $1.00 free gas
    Two, 39 oz. cans of Hills Brothers Coffee = $1.00 free gas
    Two, 16 count boxes of Kellogg's Frozen Waffles = $1.25 free gas
    Two, 44 count boxes Lipton Cold Brew Tea Bags = $1.50 free gas
    Two, 26 oz. jars of Ragu Meat Sauce = $2.00 free gas

"Rewarding our customers for their continued patronage and loyalty has always been key to our business philosophy," said Steve Frisby, president Tom Thumb. "We expect the response to our Free Gas program to be very positive as the program kicks off this week."

"More than ever, with gas prices on the rise, the Fuel Rewards program remains a true benefit to consumers," said Steven Rosenberg, Centego Marketing president and chief executive officer. "Our redemption rates continue to increase, with consumers using the program as part of their everyday shopping experience."