Since I posted about my trip to Walgreens last week, I figured that I better give a shout out to CVS as well! As I mentioned before, I love CVS and it is definitely my favorite of all the national drug store chains (I have yet to try Rite Aid, so I can’t say much about that one).
Before I show you exactly what I bought this week, here are some of the reasons why I love CVS so much (in no particular order)!
1. CVS tags their sale items and ExtraCare Buck deals very well.
I have found that it is easy to find the items you are looking for with their bright yellow tags. I do make sure to check that the tag matches the item on the shelf so that I am not getting any surprises at the register, but that’s pretty painless and is a good practice for any shopper!
**In case I didn’t mention it, an ExtraCare buck is basically just a dollar off coupon that can be used on a future purchase so it is basically like cash. You have a month to use them before they expire.**
2. CVS has a price scanner/coupon kiosk that is very helpful.
If I am ever in doubt about the price of the item I am considering purchasing, I just scan it quickly at the price scanner to confirm that it will ring up at the price I am expecting. This price scanner also doubles as a coupon kiosk that prints coupons after a quick swipe of your ExtraCare card. These coupons are store coupons, which is always nice because they can be combined with any other manufacturer’s coupons that may be out.
3. CVS rewards loyal shoppers who use their ExtraCare card.
Not only do I get to take advantage of some great deals by signing up for an ExtraCare card (which is completely free), I get 2% of my overall spending back at the end of every quarter. I get this in the form of an ExtraCare buck that prints at the bottom of my receipt after the end of the quarter.
4. CVS rewards shoppers who bring reusable bags.
CVS offers a “green bag tag” that can be swiped each time visit the store and use your reusable bag. For every 4 swipes of your green bag tag, a $1 ExtraCare Buck will print at the bottom of your receipt. While we do recycle at home, this perk definitely encourages me to be sure to bring my reusable bag each time I shop!
Now, for the really fun stuff! Here is the breakdown of my shopping trip!
Transaction #1
Pantene Shampoo, 12.6 oz. – $3.49
Pantene Conditioner, 12.6 oz. – $3.49
Used $1/2 coupon for Pantene
Used $3 ECB from previous trip
Used $.87 ECB from previous trip
Out of Pocket = $2.45
GET = $1 ECB from Pantene deal, $1 ECB from green bag tag
Transaction #2
Zarbees Children Cough Syrup, 4 oz. – $6
**I have been keeping my eyes peeled for some children’s medicines so that I’m ready when we need them, so I was excited to see this freebie (after ECBs)!
Used $1 ECB from transaction #1
Used $1 ECB from transaction #1
Out of Pocket = $4
GET = $6 ECB from Zarbees deal
Transaction #3
Grand Total Out of Pocket = $8.54
LEFT WITH = $3 ECBs to use for another trip
Regular Retail = $43.94
Amount Saved = $35.40 or 80.6%
Not too shabby if I do say so myself and I use every bit of what I purchased. And again, I have money left over to use for next week! Double score!
I wish we had a CVS or a Walgreens here….they always have great deals it seems and the stores here don't have those in store promotions like that. Awesome savings!!