PC Plus and Shoppers Optimum Takes a Step Towards Full Integration
PC Plus and Shoppers Optimum have taken the next step towards full integration of their loyalty program. Below are a few highlights to keep in mind, as we await more details of this merger.
Effective Date and New Name
The merger takes effect on February 1, 2018. Until then, the programs remain as is. So we have just under 90 days before the changeover.
The new name of the program will be PC Optimum.
Current Details of the Merger
At the start of the merger, members will receive 15 points per dollar spent at Shoppers Drug Mart Stores, which is 5 points more per dollar than the current 10 points per dollar. However, when redeeming your points, it will be at a 1:1 ratio. One point is worth 1 cent.
The newest change is that you can start redeeming at 10,000 points , for $10, which is a bit of a hybrid between the two current programs.
Currently, 8,000 Shoppers Optimum points is worth $10 (minimum redemption) and 20,000 PC Plus points is worth $20.
Quebec Pharmaprix Optimum
Customers in Quebec will have until January 31, 2018 to continue to earn and redeem Pharmaprix Optimum before having to redeem or convert the points over the PC Optimum on May 2. 2018.
Thoughts
This is yet another reason why we always recommend to earn and burn. You never know what can happen.
For now, until more details are released, it is still business as usual.
Personally, I would not get too much into the whole comparison of new versus old program. The way I see it is that old programs are discontinuing and we are starting all over from scratch, so I would take the new program for what it is.
At first glance, this seems like a good deal to those hoarding Optimum points. PC points are generally more valuable since $1 at No Frills goes a lot further than $1 at Shoppers, and from what I’ve seen so far, they’re offering a 1:1 dollar value conversion. Those upcoming Shoppers bonus points weekends could be quite lucrative now
Thanks for sharing your thoughts Alex!
I think it’s great news as an avid collector of both.
You will be able to redeem up to $500 worth at a time (up from $170 at Shoppers which brings in some neat electronics) but down from no limit at PC Plus.
When the conversion happens you get the dollars value from Optimum (95,000 points = $170). For example $170 (Optimum points level 95,000) equals 170,000 PC Points which equals $170.00 value.
There will still be bonus and 20X points offers.
The one thing I would like to see return to PC Plus, is the ability to redeem into gift cards, which we used to be able to do.
The best way to earn from both and it will still be the case with the merged program, is to load offers to your phone and device.
Closing in on 2,000,000 PC Points (worth $2000 now and new program) and almost 200,000 in Optimum (worth $340 now and new program.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts Rod!
Can you clarify please. I thought I understood that Optimum points will be converted 1:1 in that 95,000 points will only be worth $95 in the new program, not $170 as in their current redemption value at Shoppers?
Shoppers Optimum Points will be converted at full value. Value is the key word. 95,000 Shoppers Optimum points will be worth $170 in the new program.
PC Points will be converted at 1:1 as the value will be same old and new program.
Details available at pcoptimum.ca
Thanks for the response Rod, much appreciated. Beat me to it!
My pleasure. You deserve a break!
Quick Question
Will users be able earn the new optimum points just using the PC MasterCard as in stores under Loblaws banner or do we need to have the optimum app/card on hand
PC Plus and Shoppers Optimum will cease to exist, so everything will be consolidated into one.
I suspect that they will issue you a new credit card with the new loyalty program logo on it and transfer your PC Plus points to the new program.
Thanks Matt..
I’ll stay tuned
do we know how the gasbar will work? As of now, we get 7c per liter in points. That is the only reason why we use the PCMC. We use another card for all of our other purchases.
I would wait for more details before we are sure what is happening. Seems like they are still rolling out the changes.
This is great for me! I have amassed 150,000 optimum points and being a single dude I find it nearly impossible to spend $170 in a single trip to Shoppers. I felt my only options were to get an Xbox or TV I didn’t need. This change will now allow me to use my points on groceries $10 at a time. I’ll now be able to see value for my points.
Yes, that is one positive way of looking at this, we will have more options to redeem Shoppers Optimum points.
Why is no-one commenting on the PC Points issue with having to go online prior to shopping in order to get points? Will that still be a limitation when using the new card at Loblaws et al? If so, not interested.