Scrooge is alive and well and running our Optimum Program....
Thank you so much Silk for your early post about the Christmas Redemption this year. I am very disappointed about what they have decided to do this year. Brilliant on their part. Give a top level redemption with no extra value; and then later return us points when the chance of them selling their stock at retail prices is much lower. Having points returned to me later in the Christmas season after stock has been picked over and you can be sure just before markdowns begins is a slap in the face to all who spend the entire year planning and dreaming of what we might be able to do at Christmas.
I was told that within two years all SDM's would be phasing out photo/electronics to put in a fresh produce section. The owners have been sold this notion that because the profit margin on electronics is so slim that they would make more money on selling produce and fresh goods. Guess what? If they eliminate electronics then the incentive to shop there and get points is greatly reduced. The beauty department is amazing and very large but if it is the only department that offers premium gift items I think they will lose a lot of business. I happen to know that me and a few thousand of my friends will look elsewhere for a place to do our business. After all it is regular, devoted customers that spend the most at their business. Shame on you Shopper's Drug Mart for putting the almighty dollar ahead of your faithful customers. PC points is one of the worst rewards programs in Canada and if that is the new wave for Optimum I am out. They have made a grave mistake changing a program with so many loyal followers.
Shoppers prices are very high; with the exception of weekend specials. Often the flyer has 2 or three different "sale" prices for the same item, they manipulate the prices to insure that when there is a redemption "spend your points event" we pay top dollar. They track all of our spending habits and now cross reference between the two programs. Now they have decided to not give us a bonus redemption this year. Who knows what will happen in the new year to our beloved Optimum program. Pretty hard to put a basket of produce under the tree for our kids.
This is a very sad end to something that made many Christmases at my house. I have earned one million points per year for the last few years. I spend my entire year shopping, strategizing, planning and dreaming of Christmas. RIP Optimum....I will miss you dearly.