TORONTO, Nov. 20, 2017 /CNW/ - Loblaw Companies Limited (TSX: L, "Loblaw") has launched a fee-based subscription pilot program that is tailored to the growing number of its customers who are shopping both in person and online. The program – PC® Insiders – is the latest innovation in how the company is rewarding Canadians in ways that can't be found anywhere else.

"Our customers are looking for new ways to save time and money as they shop both in our stores and on our e-commerce sites," said Galen G. Weston, Chairman and CEO, Loblaw Companies Limited. "Many Canadians, in particular busy parents, find themselves shopping several of our brands, both online and in person. PC® Insiders is our next step in making that whole experience easier and more rewarding."

PC® Insiders is digital, loyalty-based, and initially targeted towards select PC Plus loyalty members who are also President's Choice Financial Mastercard cardholders. Program availability is expected to expand in 2018.

The program offers perks across a wide range of Loblaw's in-store and e-commerce products, brands, and services. Recognizing changes in how Canadians shop, Loblaw has bundled the benefits that matter most to busy families: value that saves them money on what they already buy every day, convenience that suits their busy lives, and the opportunity to treat themselves and their families from time to time. With many of the subscription perks individually more valuable than the fee, together they quickly exceed the initial cost of $9.99 monthly or $99 a year. 

During the pilot, subscribers receive the following benefits when using their PC Financial Mastercard:

• 20% back in PC points on the essentials that families need, including diapers, infant formula, and all PC Organics products in-store and online

• 20% back in PC points on all Joe Fresh products in-store and online at joefresh.com(Open in a new tab)

• 20x the PC points every day when customers shop online at beautyBOUTIQUE.ca(Open in a new tab)

•  Free Click & Collect pick-up service at nearly 200 locations

• Free shipping on all beautyBOUTIQUE.ca(Open in a new tab) and joefresh.com(Open in a new tab) purchases

• $99 PC travel credit once a year when booking a trip on pctravel.ca(Open in a new tab) (annual subscriptions only).

"We are working hard to meet the changing needs of Canadians through the combined reach of our digital properties and retail network," said Weston. "Together with our customers, we are excited to see where this program might take us next."

The PC® Insiders program launched today to select PC Plus loyalty members who are also President's Choice Financial Mastercard cardholders in Ontario and British Columbia and a waiting list is available online. It begins as a pilot and will expand in 2018 to welcome additional subscribers across the country. At that time, it will be available to members of the PC Optimum loyalty program, which launches February 1, 2018. This new loyalty program combines Loblaw's existing loyalty programs, PC Plus and Shoppers Optimum, which currently have 8 million and 11 million members respectively.

About Loblaw

Loblaw Companies Limited is Canada's food and pharmacy leader and the nation's largest retailer. With nearly 2,500 corporate, franchised and Associate-owned locations, Loblaw and its franchisees and Associates employ nearly 200,000 full- and part-time employees. The company has a growing digital business, including Click & Collect supermarket orders picked up at stores, and online service or sales related to Loblaw's pharmacy, beauty, apparel and lifestyle offers.

Loblaw's purpose – Live Life Well – is a commitment to the needs of all Canadians, including customers who make one billion transactions in the company's stores annually. The company offers convenient locations, the wellness services of food and drug stores, many of the nation's most-trusted brands, two of Canada's favourite loyalty programs, and a keen sense of corporate social responsibility.

SOURCE Loblaw Companies Limited