Disclosure: CVS/pharmacy sponsored my travel, accommodations and activities during my stay in Rhode Island. Thoughts are my own.
You might recall my announcement late in September that I would be making a trip to CVS Headquarters in Rhode Island. A recap of that experience is long overdue, but I really want to share a few of the exciting things about CVS that I learned while on that trip. As far as media trips go, this one was especially fun. CVS did a fabulous job of sharing what’s new at CVS in an interesting and engaging way. We played some fun trivia games, got to try some of the Salma Heyek beauty products first hand during our spa treatments, and enjoyed breakfast in a Christmas wonderland as we learned about the fantastic selection of holiday gifts that are available at CVS.
This was my first time attending a CVS event. Not having a prior relationship with CVS, I was actually a little surprised to receive the invitation. It turns out that I was the perfect person to attend this event. I had a lot to learn about the money saving programs they offer, and found that I had some preconceived notions about CVS with regards to couponing that couldn’t have been more wrong. My biggest takeaway from this event was learning that you don’t have to be an extreme couponer to get great savings at CVS. They have made it so easy to do with their Rewards Programs.
It’s easy to save money at CVS. No coupon clipping required.
ExtraBucks Rewards – If you don’t have a CVS ExtraCare card, get one. Sign up, no cost, online or in the store. You can earn rewards both in store and online. No coupon clipping required to earn rewards. There are many ways to earn rewards. Rewards can be earned when you purchase certain products with new offers every week. Earn 2 percent back in ExtraBucks on all your everyday purchases. ExtraBucks are given quarterly on 1/1, 4/1, 7/1 and 10/1 of each year. They print right out onto your receipt.
I already knew about the ExtraBucks program, but what I didn’t know is that there are separate Beauty Club and Pharmacy and Health Rewards programs. I thought that little red card I’ve had forever was my one stop ticket. I’m sure you are shaking your head right now, if you’re a couponer. But there are people like me who have really been missing out. Every $50 you spend on beauty products at CVS gets you $5 in ExtraBucks rewards. What I am really excited about is the Pharmacy and Health Rewards program.
CVS is promoting better health through the Pharmacy and Health Rewards program by rewarding us for taking better care of ourselves. Fill 10 prescriptions and earn $5 in ExtraBucks. Earn when you fill 90 day prescriptions, and when you sign up for prescription alerts. Also, when you sign up for refill reminders by email. You will even earn when you stop into CVS for your flu shot or vaccinations.
What’s new at CVS?
Did you know that CVS has a magic coupon machine (also known as the CVS Coupon Center)? And sometimes you get really great coupons on the things you love, like free candy bars (my personal favorite). What’s new is that you will soon be able to use your phone number at the coupon machine, if you don’t have your card with you.
CVS/Pharmacy has gone personal with myWeekly Ad! You’ll get personalized Deals just for you. Recently launched is a completely new way to browse the weekly sales circular called myWeekly Ad. Instead of 45 million people checking one circular to see all the same sales and deals on the front page and inside, those 45 million people can access their own version of the weekly sales ad – and each of you will see the deals and sale items for the week that matter most to you! Your personal ad will be based on your purchases over the last six months. It’s great if you are looking to save on the things that you normally purchase. But don’t worry, if you don’t like the personalized ad the standard weekly sales circular is just a click away.
Coinciding with the launch of myWeekly Ad, CVS launched a new ad campaign appropriately titled “What’s YOUR deal?” featuring none other than the hilarious Joan Rivers. You can also follow the #whatsyourdeal hashtag via social media.
myCVS on the Go iPad app – There is a great new iPad app. Yay! I love apps. The new app features include a 3D CVS/pharmacy store, store locator, CVS.com online shopping, refill prescriptions, prescription history and more. It’s pretty neat and I encourage you to check it out!
MinuteClinic – We also got to learn a little about the MinuteClinic, available in over 650 clinics in more than 25 states. Unfortunately, we don’t have a MinuteClinic in the Augusta area. But I have recently learned that we will have one soon. Yay! They are staffed by Nurse Practitioners and Physicians Assistants who are able to treat, diagnose, and prescribe medication. Known for acute services, they also provide wellness services, physical screenings and more. There are no appointments available. Patients are seen on a walk-in basis. MinuteClinic holds a 95% patient satisfaction rate which is quite impressive.
I snapped this shot with my phone while waiting for my manicure.
Salma Hayek Nuance beauty products – Now onto the really fun stuff. While at CVS Headquarters I was introduced to Salma Hayek Nuance beauty products, and they are fabulous. Nuance products are specially formulated with natural, exotic ingredients that have stood the test of time. It’s said that a number of ingredients used in Nuance products were the same used by Salma’s very own grandmother. Newest products include Nuance Salma Hayek Hair Care with rich ingredients like flax seed to strengthen and protect hair, and Nuance Salma Hayek Skincare including cleansers. Also available is a new BB Cream. Each item is affordable, priced at $19.99 or less. I was thrilled to learn about these new products. I received a manicure on this trip with the Nuance polish in Vapor. It’s a beautiful shade that stays on, and is perfect for the Fall/Winter season.
New Essence of Beauty products – Dinner on our second night there was lovely, and served as a kickoff event to introduce several new Essence of Beauty scents and items. Essence of Beauty is one of CVS’s house brands of skincare, body lotions, body wash and more. The new Essence of Beauty products are free of artificial dyes and parabens which is pretty great. There are a variety of new scents like “In The Tropics” and “Vanilla Wishes”. All are beautiful scents, and there is really something for everyone.
CVS was nice enough to send each blogger home with an incredible selection of beauty products, and many of the CVS branded items. I really want to note how incredibly impressed I am with the CVS brand of items, from the cookies to the cosmetic wipes. Everything I have tried has been of the best quality.
Our final morning at CVS was extra special with a Christmas themed brunch. The room was all decked out in holiday splendor and there were many CVS goodies to be had. It was great to get an early look at the many wonderful gifts that will be available at CVS this holiday season. CVS has made it easy for you to find something for everyone with the CVS Holiday Gifts Guide online.
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what a great experience,fun,fun.Love cvs.
Sounds like a fun informational trip. I especially like the challenge of using Extra Bucks with other coupons and sales to get something for close to nothing. My last real good score was 2 boxes of cereal for $1 a box.