Sobeys, Sobeys Urban Fresh and Foodland to Launch AIR MILES Reward Program

Sobeys and LoyaltyOne, Co., owner and operator of the AIR MILES® Reward Program, are expanding their relationship in the province of Ontario. Beginning March 27, 2015, shoppers will be able to earn AIR MILES reward miles at Sobeys, Sobeys Urban Fresh and Foodland stores in Ontario. The expansion also includes the launch of the AIR MILES program’s instant redemption feature, AIR MILES Cash, for in-store savings at the check-out.

With the launch of the AIR MILES Reward Program in Ontario, Sobeys will become the loyalty program’s first Canadian grocery Sponsor to issue reward miles across Canada.

This expansion follows the September 2014 launch of the AIR MILES Reward Program in Sobeys Western Canadian banners including Sobeys, IGA, Thrifty Foods and Edgemont Market, and Sobeys Liquor, while continuing the partnership with Safeway and Safeway Wine and Spirits stores. AIR MILES Cash launched in Safeway and Safeway Wine and Spirit stores in November 2014. In Quebec, IGA, IGA extra, Marché Bonichoix, Les Marchés Tradition and Rachelle-Béry continue to offer the AIR MILES reward program. Customers also continue to collect reward miles at Sobeys, Foodland and Lawtons Drugs in Atlantic Canada.

"Our customers have responded very positively to the AIR MILES Program in other provinces, and we are looking forward to adding the same value to our customers’ shopping experience in Ontario,” says Marc Poulin, president and chief executive officer, Sobeys Inc. “For the first time, we will have a national rewards program and we are delighted to partner with LoyaltyOne across Canada to provide a more rewarding experience in our stores.”

The Ontario Club Sobeys loyalty program and BMO Club Sobeys MasterCard will transition to the AIR MILES Reward Program in 2015.

The cross-Canada relationship provides Sobeys customers and AIR MILES Collectors the opportunity to earn even more AIR MILES reward miles for their everyday purchases at locations in all 10 provinces. Collectors can redeem their reward miles for more than 1,200 rewards options, including travel and merchandise in addition to the Program's instant redemption feature, AIR MILES Cash, which will be available at all Sobeys, Sobeys Urban Fresh and Foodland stores where AIR MILES reward miles are issued.

“The expansion of our partnership with Sobeys over the past year, from Atlantic Canada and Quebec to Western Canada and now Ontario, has provided for even more customers to engage with the Program and benefit from its value," says Andy Wright, president, AIR MILES Reward Program. “We are thrilled to grow and strengthen our long-standing partnership with Sobeys, one of Canada’s leading national grocers.”

Sobeys has been a valued Sponsor in the AIR MILES Reward Program for more than 15 years. Collectors can get more information on nearby Sponsors by visiting www.airmiles.ca.

About Sobeys Inc.

Proudly Canadian, with headquarters in Stellarton, Nova Scotia, Sobeys has been serving the food shopping needs of Canadians for 107 years. A wholly-owned subsidiary of Empire Company Limited (TSX:EMP.A), Sobeys owns or franchises more than 1,500 stores in all 10 provinces under retail banners that include Sobeys, Safeway, IGA, Foodland, FreshCo, Thrifty Foods, and Lawton's Drug Stores as well as more than 350 retail fuel locations. Sobeys and its franchise affiliates employ more than 125,000 people. The company's purpose is to help Canadians Eat Better, Feel Better and Do Better. More information on Sobeys Inc. can be found at www.sobeyscorporate.com.