Rite Aid to test rewards program in four markets

Rite Aid Pharmacy said Tuesday it has selected four markets in which to test a new customer rewards program.

The drugstore chain rolled out its free “wellness +” program in Buffalo, N.Y., Greensboro, N.C., Harrisburg, Pa., and San Diego on Monday. The program allows members to earn rewards points by making purchases, then cash them in for free health screenings and discounts.

Upon joining, program members receive around-the-clock, toll-free telephone access to a Rite Aid pharmacist and 10% off Rite Aid brand products and other discounts.

The four cities were chosen because of their representative nature of all of the chain’s operating regions. Sales trends, the number of stores concentrated in each city, market share and the stores’ ability to track data also played a role in test market selection, according to Rite Aid.