Best Buy launches Reward Zone in Canada

BURNABY, B.C. Best Buy has officially launched its customer loyalty program called Reward Zone in its Canadian stores, the electronic store chain announced Friday.

Reward Zone provides members with points for purchases made in Best Buy stores or online at BestBuy.ca. Members earn one point for nearly every dollar they spend at Best Buy or on BestBuy.ca, which are then are cashed out in the form of reward certificates redeemable for future in-store purchases.

In addition to points, program members will receive exclusive offers, entry into sweepstakes and invitations to member-only sales and even offer pre-sale opportunities for the most sought-after items.

Although today marks the official launch of the program, Reward Zone has been available for enrollment in Best Buy Canada stores for the past three weeks. Reward Zone has been offered by Best Buy in the U.S. since 2003 and now has more than 24 million members, making it one of the nation's largest retail loyalty programs. Best Buy Canada's goal is to acquire 400,000 members by the end of 2007, the company said.

Best Buy is Canada's fastest-growing retailer and e-tailer. There are currently 48 stores in British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario and Quebec.

Nicolle Scavuzzo, senior manager of customer centricity at Best Buy, pointed out that the program is a major differentiator for the Best Buy brand as no other consumer electronics retailer in Canada currently offers its customers a loyalty program that combines direct savings on future purchases with an extensive list of exclusive benefits.

Best Buy will celebrate the official launch of Reward Zone with a massive giveaway of eight $10,000 shopping sprees throughout October and will continue to offer points sweepstakes and contests to drive additional member enrollment.