I wanted to give you an update on the Walgreens Balance Rewards program. Starting September 6th we’ll be able to sign up on-line HERE and in store on September 16th, we’ll be able to sign up for the new Walgreens Balance rewards card.
We’ll be able to sign up in the store, on-line or using a mobile device. You’ll have to either show your card, use your phone number, or have them scan mobile phone. You’ll be able to check your points either at the store, on-line or on your cell phone.
We’ll first see loyalty points deals in the September 16th ad, along with some Register Reward deals. Here’s the scoop…
HOW TO EARN POINTS
You’ll be able to earn and redeem points based on select items in the ad.
You’ll be able to earn 500 points on most prescriptions and other purchases.
You’ll be able to earn 10 points for every mile you walk at Walk with Walgreens.
They’ll continue to be exclusive benefits for AARP members.
REDEEM POINTS
You’ll be able to redeem points on most items in the store.
Points will not expire for three years, as long as you shop at Walgreens a minimum of once per 6 months.
You get more bang for your buck when you let points accumulate and make larger transactions.
I know that it will take some getting used to the new program. We’ll be able to still take advantage of some Register Reward deals while getting used to the new loyalty points system. Just as with anything that’s new I’m sure it’ll take some time for them to work out the kinks. I am looking forward to automatically getting sale prices with the card, and being able to use the points on almost any purchase. For those of you who redeem prescriptions at Walgreens this is also an opportunity to earn some extra points on each of those purchases.
I want to give you all a heads up and let you know about a major change that’s coming our way. We will be seeing a Walgreens Balance Rewards card launching in September.
Many of you know that Walgreens tested a loyalty program in select markets last year. We don’t know how much of the test market program will be carried over to the new loyalty program but some of the basics, like the rewards card, will be included.
Here is some of what we know…
Walgreens Balance Rewards will allow customers to earn and redeem Bonus Points and get personalized offers
You’ll be able to enroll in the store, online and with the mobile app
You will earn Bonus Points when you make purchase items featured in the weekly ad, from Pharmacy or with personalized offers
You can redeem 5,000 points as $5 to pay for your purchases
You can’t use Bonus Points for Alcohol, Gift Cards, Prescription Co-pays, Stamps, prepaid cards, dairy, tobacco.
Bonus Points expire after 36 months from date of earning or after 6 months of no activity
You must be a Balance Rewards member to get the sale price
You will be able to manage your account with the Walgreens mobile app or on-line
I suspect that ultimately one of the largest influences on the new program will come from a drugstore in the U.K. called Boots. Walgreens and Boots recently announced a merger and management has indicated that they are looking to the Boots Rewards program, known as the Boots Advantage card, for ideas for the Walgreens Balance Rewards Card.
Walgreens employees will get to test the new loyalty program this month before it’s released to the public in September. I also expect to see changes and tweaking during the first year. I don’t think how the program gets rolled out is what it will look like a year or two from now. Walgreens will have the ability to track purchases with the card, so I am hoping we do see some reasonable limits so we all have a better chance of finding deals on the shelves.
I’ll share facts and details as they come in and we’ll learn more as we get closer to September. I just wanted to give you all a heads up and share the facts currently available on the program.
