CVS has picked up a few marketing pointers from the gas station guys who also run convenience stores. You don't dash in to a CVS for just a prescription these days because there are rows of other items that are conveniently available. For example, in the aisles leading to the pharmacy counter. I recently bought a flat of water for only $2.67. The same flat returned to its usual pricing of $4.99 soon after. Another example is milk and eggs. They're often priced at or below Publix' pricing.
Also, CVS has a reliable loyalty program that allows the cashier to access your account by keying in your telephone number.. Purchases are rewarded with discounts and dollars off future transactions, and are conveniently announced at the foot of each receipt.
This afternoon I stopped mid-bike ride for a juice, and was hooked by two reward promos at the bottom of my $2 receipt. Ahh, the lure of a bargain. So, I returned to the aisles, collected a sizeable stack of toilet paper and a couple of other items, and juggled them awkwardly for the return to the cashier. The clerk applied both rewards to my purchase for a hefty discount.
Then speaking of heft, I turned the basket on the back of my bike into a reverse Dorothy with Toto. The TP would have to balance there in the basket over my back wheel, and under the squeeze of a bungee cord until I peddled a few more miles home. Very bag lady of me. And since the wind had kicked up a bit, I had to hold my ridiculously floppy hat next to the hand that should have been free to alert the unwary with my cool bike bell that's shaped like a sumo. Divine intervention took all the accident prone out of my path, so I made it home without incident.
Yeah, well you would have done the same. Saved 14 bucks. read more