I recently learned what I've been missing out on for years with this stores Optimum points program and read that while they will not give you Optimum points on gift cards to other places/retailers - they WILL award regular Optimum points on their own SDM gift cards. A great way to earn extra points for shopping there is to first buy a SDM gift card in whatever denomination you plan on spending and THEN go do your shopping! You get points for purchasing the card AND for using it.

Combine coupons and their mobile phone app offers and you'll easily maximize your Optimum points and SDM shopping experience.

The only downside is that occasionally there are computer system hiccups and you may have to call their customer care centre to get your points. In my area I find only about 50% of their staff know this is an advantage to buying/using their gift cards and sometimes even tell you flat out it's impossible but are quite surprised when your receipt prints and displays the points.