Shoppers Optimum Program Discontinuing?
One of my readers helped me point out that potential termination of the Shoppers Optimum program. Is the program going to terminate? I really hope not. Below is the official wording under the Terms and Conditions of the program:
- 42. The Shoppers Optimum Program will terminate at 11:59 p.m. on December 31, 2016 (the “Termination Date”).
- 43. Shoppers Optimum Members will have until March 31, 2017 to redeem Shoppers Optimum Program rewards using Shoppers Optimum Points accumulated up to the Termination Date. Shoppers Optimum Points will expire at 11:59 p.m. on March 31, 2017 and will not be honoured after such expiration date.
Past Trends
In the past, Shoppers Optimum usually continually extends their program, but I have a bad feeling this time. I really hope that Loblaws and Shoppers Drug Mart don’t stay silent for too long and that they would have some sort of announcement soon. I guess staying silent is like a “no news is good news”, so there is still a chance that the program can still be extended, but they are cutting it awfully close.
Reasons for Shutting Down the Program
I think the biggest reason is because Loblaws bought them out and probably looking to merge them with the PC Plus program instead. But since there is still no announcement of potentially using the PC Plus program instead. Worse case scenario they completely shut down the program and there are no reward programs with Shoppers Drug Mart.
That would be a very risky move, as they would probably lose some customers.
Going Forward
Enjoy the program while it is still around. There is no doubt that there is some value to be had with Shoppers Optimum. So for now, I strongly recommend the earn and burn approach. Furthermore, watch for bonus points opportunities to load up your account quicker, as well as watch for bonus offers when redeeming your points.
My days of “doble dipping” will be over soon 🙁
I really hope not!!
If they go through this, that’s a bad news indeed. Some people on forums are also talking about this being a standard practice by shoppers Optimum program where they keep updating program deadline by 1 year or two. Probably to pull the plug if at all things go South.
Being and avid Optimum points collector I have seen the program devalue since Loblaws took over. (Remember 250 bucks for 95000 point redemption on bonus days anyone?). Cancellation of RBC co-branded credit card may have been the first nail in the coffin.
It’s natural for them to consolidate all loyalty under PC points. It’s just that companies have been known for significantly devaluing the loyalty programs while doing so. Oh well.. Just the nature of this hobby.
Unfortunately devaluation mostly has to do with inflation, along with profits. I would have that they if they really would merge with PC rewards program they would announce something by now. So there’s still hope maybe?
They’ve had the 2016 date in there as far back at 2010, see https://web.archive.org/web/20100520040730/http://www1.shoppersdrugmart.ca/en/Shoppers-Optimum/legal.aspx
Aeroplan has similar terms (https://www3.aeroplan.com/terms_and_conditions.do).
This is likely to satisfy some legal requirement.
Yeah, because of that the likelihood of extension is low 🙁
Also with all the turmoil with Air Miles perhaps they will think twice before not doing an extension
Interesting! I’ve lots of both Optimum and PC Plus. Both programs are great. At least with PC Plus you can redeem for gift cards. I bought new tires for one of my vehicles this way, by cashing out some into Canadian Tire gift cards.
Optimum gets me into Shoppers and I typically use some sort of points building promo everytime Im in there. But if the program is discontinued I will have no reason to shop there at all. Lose lose situation.
Will be staying tuned for news on this in case I have to do a quick cashout redemption spree. Thanks for the heads up.
Thanks for sharing your experience Rod. Glad you found value with PC Plus. Would be better if both programs continued together. More diversity.
I just came from Shoppers and they was a notice by the cash register. I picked one up and this is what is says:
NOTICE OF UPCOMING EXTENSION OF THE SHOPPERS OPTIMUM PROGRAM:
Currently, the Shoppers Optimum Program T&C state that the program terminates on Dec. 31, 2016.
The program’s T&C that will come into effect on December 31, 2016 11:59PM will remain unchanged EXCEPT the following:
Section 42 – There will be no specific end date to the program and 45 days advance notice will be given in the event that the program ends.
Section 43 – Members will have the ability to redeem points for 90 days following any future end date.
Please see cashier or see http://www.shoppersdrugmart.ca/optimum/legal for the full version of the upcoming T&C.
If you continue to use your Shoppers Optimum Card after December 31, 2016 you will be considered to have accepted this new term.
Thanks iv! We actually wrote a post on that notice today as well!
http://pointshogger.boardingarea.com/update-shopper-optimum-program