Duane Reade Launches New, Easy-to-Use FlexRewards Customer Rewards Program

NEW YORK,  Jan. 15 /PRNewswire/ -- Duane Reade today announced the launch of Duane Reade FlexRewards™, its new, easier-to-use customer rewards program that replaces Dollar Rewards™, the Company's previous customer rewards program.  Beginning Saturday, January 16th, FlexRewards will offer members lower prices, more opportunities to earn points, more control over how and when they can spend their rewards, and a much easier and rewarding experience overall.  In essence, Duane Reade FlexRewards customers will have the ability to benefit from more reward opportunities than before.

"As the name suggests, FlexRewards is a much more flexible, rewarding, and customer-friendly program, and that's exactly what our customers have been asking for," said Joe Jackman, Acting Chief Marketing Officer, Duane Reade. "Through their actions and direct input, New Yorkers made it clear they wanted a program that made it easier to earn and receive their rewards.  In fact, half of customers in our old program didn't even redeem their reward coupons because there were too many restrictions. Once again, our customers pointed to another valid way we could improve the Duane Reade experience to better serve them."

With the new FlexRewards program, members get lower prices on hundreds of products per week throughout the store, plus they earn 2 points on every $1 in qualified purchases and are eligible to earn bonus points from promotions and on the purchase of specially-marked bonus items made available in partnership with leading brands.  

"We're shifting from a mostly base points program to a much more exciting and rewarding bonus points focus, which means there will now be more opportunities to earn points faster. Our total investment – value in the pockets of our customers – is dramatically increasing," said Joe Magnacca, Chief Merchandising Officer. "The end result will be more rewards for more customers, and getting the full benefit is now much, much easier."  

Rewards are redeemable in $5.00 increments for every 500 points collected. Customers are now able to spend their $5.00 rewards on the spot, or save them up for special purchases or occasions.

All FlexRewards points are tracked and redeemed electronically, so there will no longer be a need for easy-to-lose paper coupons, and customers will be able to keep track of FlexRewards points online and via in-store point-of-purchase key pads. Earned points never expire provided accounts are active within a 26-week period, and there is no time limit on when rewards can be redeemed. Moreover, FlexRewards members will have the opportunity to earn up to 30% more points with the SuperSaver program (visit duanereade.com/FlexRewards for details). Like the FlexRewards program, the FlexRewards SuperSaver club is free to join.

For a limited time customers converting or joining FlexRewards can earn 10 times the points on their first transaction of $25 or more, which equates to 500 or more points (a $5 reward on the spot!).    

Duane Reade customers can sign-up for the new FlexRewards program in any of the more than 250 stores in the New York metropolitan area, or online at duanereade.com/FlexRewards beginning January 16.  For members of the outgoing Dollar Rewards™ program, converting to FlexRewards is as easy as presenting their card to the extra staff or to a cashier at all Duane Reade stores.

Those signing up for or converting to FlexRewards are eligible for additional incentives:

• Entrance into the Duane Reade FlexRewards™ Sweepstakes* for which the prizes will be American Express Gift Cards in the following increments:
  • Grand Prize (1 winner):  $5,000
  • First Prize (3 winners):   $1,000
  • Second Prize (10 winners): $500

    (*Please see official contest rules at duanereade.com/FlexRewards )

• A coupon book worth over $50.00 in savings on leading brand products.  
• Receipt of 100 extra FlexRewards points by signing up to receive e-mail offers and promotions.  
• Eligibility to sign-up for the FlexRewards SuperSaver program in which consumers can earn up to 30% more points on larger point redemptions.  

Also, FlexRewards card holders will be eligible for many exciting value opportunities at launch and going forward. Many of Duane Reade's product vendor partners, which include the most popular leading brands, are joining with Duane Reade to offer special FlexRewards bonus point opportunities.

For more information and answers to frequently asked questions about the Duane Reade FlexRewards™ program please visit Duane Reade's website at duanereade.com/FlexRewards beginning January 16, or call the customer service hotline at 1-866-DR-LOYAL (1-866-375-6925).

About Duane Reade

Founded in 1960, Duane Reade is the largest drug store chain in New York City. In keeping with company's brand vision of New York Living Made Easy, Duane Reade provides New Yorkers with prescriptions, health products and services, beauty products and services, food and convenience items for daily life in the City... everything for "How I Feel", "How I Look", and "What I Need Now".  The company operates 250+ stores throughout the metropolitan New York region.

SOURCE Duane Reade