Just when it seemed grocers had run out of ways to use gas discount programs to funnel more spending through their doors, Giant Eagle has launched GifterGo, an online deal in which customers can buy vouchers for use at local restaurants and retailers -- even golf courses and spas.

Customers get fuelperks! points, and local retailers get access to the consumer base that uses the gas discount program.

By the end of last week, Giant Eagle had signed up 82 companies -- about half of them in Western Pennsylvania, with the rest in markets in Ohio, Maryland and West Virginia, said Tina Flowers, vice president of card services.

Even though prices at the pump aren't as high as they were last year, Giant Eagle officials said shoppers continued to pay close attention to gas discounts. Other grocers, such as Shop 'n Save and Foodland, have similar rewards programs.

Grocers and drugstores have built up businesses selling gift cards for other retailers, such as Home Depot, Macy's and Best Buy. Consumers often earn gas discounts on the gift card purchases. Giant Eagle estimates more than one-third of its customers have bought a gift card in the past year.

But there have been limitations. For one thing, not all retailers can afford to produce gift cards. In addition, "We don't have unlimited space on those gift card fixtures," said Ms. Flowers, who said some stores have room for about 225 gift cards while others have more than 400.

The timing of the program launch is no mistake. The National Retail Federation last month released data indicating 55.2 percent of adults would like to get a gift card for Christmas this year. Both Shop 'n Save and Giant Eagle are offering extra gas discounts on gift card purchases during the holiday season.

Under the new GifterGo program, consumers go online and choose a store. They pay and then either print out the voucher or e-mail the gift to a friend. Printing a voucher 20 times won't matter, Ms. Flowers said, because once a particular code is used, it won't be honored again.

Among the companies listed as participating in the new Giant Eagle program so far were The Carlton Restaurant, Eyetique, Perfect Flooring, Mallorca Restaurant, Del's Bar and Restaurant, Birdsfoot Golf Course and the Spa & Salon at Southpointe.

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