CVS/pharmacy Delivers More Rewards, Value and Savings to Customers

WOONSOCKET, R.I., Jan. 19 /PRNewswire/ -- CVS/pharmacy today announced that ExtraCare cardholders received a combined total of more than $1.9 billion in savings and rewards throughout 2009, simply by using their ExtraCare card each time they shopped at CVS/pharmacy or online at CVS.com. These savings represent a sizable increase from last year's total. In the final quarter of 2009 alone, ExtraCare cardholders earned a total of $76,257,924.50 in savings. With more than 62 million active cardholders, CVS/pharmacy's ExtraCare Rewards program is one of the most popular ways consumers save money throughout the year, and it remains the largest retail loyalty program in the U.S.

(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20090129/NE64371LOGO )

ExtraCare cardholders came out in droves in 2009 with seniors leading the charge as the fastest growing demographic of rewards program users with more than 7.3 million to date and growing. Overall, the numbers show that ExtraCare is gaining in popularity as value becomes a key decision maker for where consumers shop, and the program itself saw an increase of 10 million active card users from December 2008 to December 2009.  Both the number of men and women who signed up for a card increased substantially, growing by 8.7% and 7.9% respectively since last year.

"In 2009, Americans continued to cut costs and look for new ways to help stretch their dollar," said Bari Harlam, Vice President of Marketing for CVS/pharmacy. "Through our ExtraCare loyalty program, we were able to deliver real value to CVS/pharmacy customers consistently throughout the year.  In 2010 we're raising the bar even higher for ExtraCare members as we focus on providing additional savings on the products our customers need and value most like prescriptions and over-the-counter medications."

The following ten "Super Saving" communities earned the highest number of Extra Bucks in the last three months of 2009:

1. Los Angeles, CA – shoppers earned more than $6.5 million
2. Boston, MA – shoppers earned more than $3.7 million
3. Washington, DC – shoppers earned nearly $3.6 million  
4. Philadelphia, PA – shoppers earned approximately $2.5 million  
5. Detroit, MI – shoppers earned nearly $2.5 million  
6. Northern New Jersey – shoppers earned more than $2.1 million
7. Dallas-Fort Worth, TX – shoppers earned nearly $2 million
8. Atlanta, GA – shoppers earned just over $2.0 million
9. Miami-Fort Lauderdale, FL – shoppers earned nearly $2.0 million
10. Chicago, IL – shoppers earned nearly $1.7 million

Double Bucks Promotion: January 17 through March 15

Starting on January 17, CVS/pharmacy is running a special promotion called "I Heart My Double Bucks!" that offers double Extra Bucks rewards to customers purchasing prescriptions and CVS/pharmacy brand health, household, beauty and personal care products. CVS/pharmacy regularly receives feedback from customers about how much they love their Extra Bucks and the "I Heart My Double Bucks!" campaign was developed to acknowledge and reward their enthusiasm.

By simply presenting a Double Bucks certificate along with their ExtraCare card in-store or by signing up for the offer online, shoppers will earn twice the amount of Bucks with $2 Extra Bucks for every two prescriptions filled and will earn 4% back on all CVS/pharmacy brand purchases instead of the usual 2%.

CVS/pharmacy's private-label line of products spans a variety of categories. Shoppers who sign up for Double Bucks will earn 4% back when purchasing any CVS/pharmacy brand product, no matter what it is – including items like snacks, pain relievers and over-the-counter (OTC) medications, skincare, bath and body, and cleaning supplies. The products are developed with the same innovative, high-quality ingredients as national brands but are typically available for 20-30% less cost. All CVS/pharmacy brand products are covered by a 100% money-back guarantee, even if opened.

How the ExtraCare Program and Double Bucks Promotion Work

Registering for an ExtraCare account is free and takes less than two minutes in-store or online. CVS/pharmacy customers save money through the ExtraCare Rewards program all year long, by earning both quarterly and instant Extra Bucks. Extra Bucks can be likened to free CVS/pharmacy money that can be used on nearly anything in the store. ExtraCare cardholders receive 2% back on nearly every dollar spent in the store, every time they shop, regardless of whether or not they participate in any sales or special offers. Additionally, for every two prescriptions filled at CVS/pharmacy, ExtraCare cardholders automatically receive $1 Extra Buck.

Double Bucks certificates are available at any CVS/pharmacy store and online at CVS.com/DoubleBucks beginning on January 17. Additionally, the certificates are included in the weekly sale circulars throughout the duration of the program. Online shoppers can also sign up for Double Bucks by visiting http://www.CVS.com/DoubleBucks, where they can register their ExtraCare cards and reap the extra rewards. Cardholders have until March 15 to present the certificate with their ExtraCare card in-store or sign up online to take advantage of the special offer. Shoppers who participate in the promotion will receive their doubled Extra Bucks along with all other quarterly Extra Bucks rewards on the bottom of their receipts during their first visit in April.

ExtraCare is not a typical discount program; CVS/pharmacy actually pays back customers with store credit for items that consumers will be interested in or have purchased in the past. The ExtraCare Rewards program acts almost like a personal shopper, recommending products and providing special offers tailored to each cardholder so that CVS/pharmacy customers receive personalized savings. With this program, CVS/pharmacy offers its customers a convenient customer experience combined with the savings that cater to their needs and desired purchases.  

To learn more about the ExtraCare program, consumers can visit http://www.CVS.com/ExtraCare. To sign up for Double Bucks online, consumers can visit http://www.CVS.com/DoubleBucks.

About CVS/pharmacy

CVS/pharmacy is the retail division of CVS Caremark Corporation (NYSE: CVS). The Company operates more than 7,000 CVS/pharmacy and Longs Drugs stores. CVS/pharmacy is committed to improving the lives of those we serve by making innovative and high-quality health and pharmacy services safe, affordable and easy to access, both in its stores and online at CVS.com. General information about CVS/pharmacy and CVS Caremark is available at www.cvscaremark.com.

SOURCE CVS/pharmacy