COSTCO CHARGING IT ON AMERICAN EXPRESS
By Adnews Staff
A new agreement between Amex Canada of Markham, Ontario and Costco Canada of Laval, Quebec will result in American Express cards being accepted at Costco's 59 warehouse club locations across Canada. The agreement will mark the first time the warehouse club has accepted a general purpose credit card for payment of purchase. The companies have also announced plans to introduce a co-branded card in early 2000 that will offer services and benefits to Costco members. The co-branded card will act as a Costco membership card and will be usable anywhere American Express is accepted. Additional details about the co-branded card will be announced early next year. American Express and Costco in the United States announced a similar agreement in August of this year. Canada is the first international market outside the U.S. to follow suit. To promote the new agreement, in-store point-of-sale materials are being used in Costco warehouse club locations, along with print ads in Costco's bimonthly membership magazine. Amex Canada is promoting the agreement through its existing advertising vehicles, including statement inserts and announcements on its customer service line. All materials being used to promote the new relationship in Canada were adapted from those used in the U.S. Promotional materials were created by Boston-based Bronner Slofberg Humphrey.