CVS says 'so long' to printed receipts

Photo: CVS Pharmacy President Helena Foulkes unveiled digital receipts in a surprise appearance on ABC's Jimmy Kimmel Live on Friday evening.

CVS Pharmacy is adding another digital convenience to its ExtraCare rewards program.



The drugstore chain is launching digital receipts as a new option for all members of its ExtraCare Rewards program. The new option for digital receipts will roll out in early June and eventually be available in 7,900 retail locations. Customers will have the opportunity to opt-out of receiving paper receipts for all in-store purchases when completing their transactions in the front of the store.



Once the one-time process is completed, customers will receive receipts digitally, along with their coupons and rewards, each time they shop at a CVS store. The process includes enrolling in the ExtraCare Rewards program if the customer is not already a member, and providing a valid email address. Shoppers can enroll at the front register by asking a store associate.



The imminent chain-wide arrival of digital receipts was first unveiled on Friday, May 20 on ABC's Jimmy Kimmel Live, in a surprise appearance featuring CVS Pharmacy President Helena Foulkes. Kimmel has previously satirized what can be extremely long printed receipts at CVS, especially if they contain coupons and messages for ExtraCare members.



Once enrolled, ExtraCare members will have all receipts delivered digitally via email. Members will continue to receive exclusive benefits, personalized savings offers, available ExtraBucks Rewards and more, which can be redeemed in store by using a smartphone, tablet or computer, and then selecting the "send to card" button found next to each offer.



ExtraBucks Rewards and special offers are also available through the CVS Pharmacy app. In addition, all personal preferences are saved for future transactions. Customers will always be able to specifically request a paper copy of their receipt at the time of the transaction, if they would like to receive one.



In an era when in many cases customers are even digitizing their payment and loyalty cards, the notion of a printed receipt is becoming obsolete. Especially a printed receipt that is so long and crowded with information it becomes a source of jokes for late night TV hosts. CVS is taking what should be a universal step of allowing customers to opt out of printed receipts, at least if they are committed enough to join a loyalty program. After all, loyalty programs are supposed to make the shopping experience better, not more burdensome.



"We are excited to roll out the much-anticipated launch of digital receipts,” said Foulkes. “We heard loud and clear that while our customers love receiving coupons and special offers, many wanted a paperless option. This feature lets our customers continue to make personalized choices as to how they engage with us, and will let our members choose to say 'So long!' to the long paper receipts at check-out."