CVS to offer up to 1 million free smartphones

WOONSOCKET, R.I. — CVS/pharmacy will offer up to 1 million free smartphones to eligible customers, in an effort to encourage shoppers to use its mobile app.

Consumers who want a new smartphone or who are eligible for a device upgrade with their current mobile service provider can visit the site and choose from a variety of Android smartphones. They can then sign up for a new contract or upgrade to a two-year contract, and the phone will be shipped directly to them.

"Over the past year we have seen a substantial increase in the number of our CVS/pharmacy customers using mobile devices to refill prescriptions, shop and manage their ExtraCare savings and rewards," said Brian Tilzer , SVP, chief digital officer for CVS/pharmacy.

The app gives consumers access to the My Mobile Card feature, which allows them to scan and save their ExtraCare card information within the app. The app also gives consumers the ability to place photo print orders from their smartphone camera roll for same-day pick-up, using the built-in GPS locator to find a nearby CVS/pharmacy. Furthermore, they can now access a new Pill Identifier tool to check for drug interactions and identify pills by shape, color and imprint. With the Scan Your Refill feature, users can scan their prescription barcodes to easily refill their prescriptions.

The free smartphone offer is an online-only promotion and is running now at CVS.com/smartphone. The offer is open to any consumer who is eligible to upgrade their phone per their current mobile service provider, or any consumer who signs up for a new line of service with a new provider.