Kmart Provides Assistance to Unemployed Nationwide
Oct 05 2009
Retail Wrap >>

Kmart announced in late September that it was going national with its Smart Assist Savings Card, which provides customers in the US who have lost their jobs with a 20 percent discount on roughly 1,500 private label items in the chain's stores.

The Smart Assist program, which was tested in Michigan, enables card holders to receive the added discount for a period of six months. Individuals in the program are required to show their Kmart Smart Assist Savings card along with valid state-issued unemployment verification and ID for signature verification to receive their savings.

Tom O'Boyle, senior vice president, president, food and consumables for Kmart, said in a press release, "We've seen in Michigan that the Kmart Smart Assist Savings Card has helped cardholders keep good quality food on the table and their households stocked with staples while they get back on their feet. We hope that this program has the same positive impact across the country."

A host of government officials have praised Kmart for offering help to those in need.

Rep. John D. Dingell, said in a statement, "This is good corporate citizenship and I want to applaud Kmart and its parent company, Sears Holdings, for doing its part to help people who are struggling. We have a lot of people in transition right now, and these displaced workers will - like our state itself - get back on their feet and remember those who helped during this time of hardship. Kmart has a long, proud history in our state and I think people will recognize the company for this good deed."

Adapted from source: www.retailwire.com, 30 September 2009