Important Store Updates for CVS, Walgreens and Walmart

September is spelling change for many major retailers. This month CVS, Walgreens and Walmart all made important changes to their policies that you need to know before you head to the store!

CVS

Let’s start with CVS. The drugstore chain has updated their coupon policy to no longer allow third party manufacturers’ coupons with another retailer’s logo. Note, the language, as it stands now, includes manufacturer coupons that simply state “available at..” and “redeemable at..” if they have the other stores logo on the coupon.

This policy change is very interesting since in the past, we’ve been told that these logos on manufacturer coupons are just advertisements, and that the coupons are redeemable by other retailers. 

CVS also has a new, limited time promotion that I encourage all CVS shoppers to register for today! Sign up now to earn 4% back on everyday purchases from 9/16/12 – 12/15/12. This is double the usual 2% shoppers receive for their quarterly rewards! You can sign up online or scan your card in the store to receive a sign up slip.

Walgreens

On September 16th, Walgreens is launching a new Balance Rewards Program. This WILL NOT replace Register Rewards. Balance Rewards are an additional way to save at Walgreens. When you join Balance Rewards, you will earn points on thousands of items including prescriptions and immunizations. These points can be redeemed for rewards! Enroll now before the program begins and you could win 1 million points in the 10 Million Point Giveaway!

Walmart

Walmart’s Official Coupon Policy has not changed, but they have made some changes to their internal coupon policy.

Walmart Coupon Policy Changes:

1. All Walmart Register systems were updated to accept the GS1 Date bar Codes that most coupons have switched to and all eventually will go to.
2. All coupons must be scanned on the flatbed scanners, the handheld scanners are not supposed to be used any longer.
3. The coupon must scan (not a new change) . Cashiers/CSM’s or Managers are not allowed to override or manually enter coupons.
4.  If a coupon does not scan they are instructed to return the coupon to you. This applies to Printable Coupons and newspaper insert coupons.

So what does this mean to you? With the register systems updated, there should be fewer coupons not scanning properly (beeping). However, if your legitimate coupon does not scan, they will refuse to take it.

Check out our huge list of all available Store Coupon Policies

Information obtained from CVS, Walgreens, and I Heart the Mart