S&H Green Stamps-The King Of All Loyalty Programs

Before loyalty cards, reward apps, and points programs ruled the world, America had S&H Green Stamps—the wildly popular trading stamp phenomenon that turned everyday grocery shopping into a nationwide collecting craze. On this episode of The Tom Gulley Show, Tom dives into the history, psychology, and cultural impact of those tiny green squares that once filled kitchens, glove compartments, and redemption centers across the country.

From their explosive rise in the 1950s and ’60s to the massive catalog empire they built, Tom explores how S&H Green Stamps shaped consumer behavior, rewarded brand loyalty, and left a nostalgic mark on American life. You’ll hear how families strategized for premium items, how supermarkets used stamps to crush competition, and why the program eventually faded as the retail landscape evolved.

Whether you saved them, licked them, redeemed them—or just wondered what the fuss was about—this deep dive brings the full story of S&H Green Stamps to life.

In this episode you’ll learn:

• The origins of S&H Green Stamps and how they revolutionized retail

• Why the program became one of America’s earliest mass-scale loyalty systems

• How redemption centers and catalogs built a massive cottage industry

• The psychology behind trading stamps and repeat customers

• What ultimately led to the program’s decline