1. A method for facilitating the implementation of a loyalty program, the method comprising the steps of: receiving and processing manufacturer item identifiers; receiving and processing a supplementary member ID; receiving and processing purchase data, wherein said purchase data comprises a retailer item identifier; associating at least two of said supplementary member ID, said purchase data, and a manufacturer item identifier; and performing an analysis that is dependent upon the step of associating at least two of said supplementary member ID, said purchase data, and said manufacturer item identifier.