May 14, 2008 6:04 AM, PROMO P&I, By Richard Tedesco

American Express launched its third in-store promotion last week, offering customers a freebie if they buy two gift cards.

People who buy two American Express gift cards worth between $25 and $100 apiece will receive a free $25 “Spring Fling” gift card from American Express Incentive Services. Those cards can be used at Best Buy and Borders stores, and online at Fandango and SpaFinder.

The gift cards are available at 70,000 drug stores and supermarkets nationwide, including CVS, Walgreens, Safeway, Kroger, Rite Aid, Albertsons, A&P, Wawa, Winn Dixie, Pathmark, King Kullen, Price Chopper, Lowes and Big Y through June 30.

“The ‘Spring Fling’ card is the concept of something for you, something for me,” American Express spokesperson Rob Sherman said.

The promotion rewards consumers who buy gift cards during what American Express perceives as the year’s second biggest buying season behind the December holiday. It follows similar, successful promotions the company ran last year: a back-to-school fall promotion and a gadget lover’s promotion during the holidays.

“We were pleased with how those promotions went in 2007. That’s why we designed this for the ‘dads and grads’ season,” said Amex spokesperson Rob Sherman.

Rebate forms for the free gift cards must be received by July 22, with a limit of two cards per household.

DON'T MISS AN ISSUE! PROMO Magazine provides insights into using promotion marketing as strategic, measurable component of an overall marketing mix. DON'T MISS OUT on "how-to" information on strategies and tactics successful marketers use to improve product sales and brand image. Renew your subscription Subscribe to the magazine Sign up for email newsletters

A panel of professionals answers your questions. Submit your questions.
		Michael McKelvie Gift Cards and Reward Cards
		Bob Bell Tie-in Partnerships
		Dave Hunt Rebates
		Bruce Hollander Sweepstakes
		Joel Parent Interactive
		Become an Expert More Info