A Store Guide to Shopping at Walgreens

The first thing to keep in mind while shopping at Walgreens is that regular  prices vary from store to store, especially in metropolitan areas. The prices I use to do my match ups are from the Hickory, NC area. I post the coupon match up list on Saturday mornings.

Walgreens has several kinds of  store coupons. The ones that are in the ad are usually called IVC’s or Instant Value Coupons.  I usually just refer to them as in-ad coupons. You can also find coupons in the monthly coupon book. These coupons say manufacturer coupons, but it has been my experience that you may stack these coupons with other manufacturer coupons.

Walgreens will have weekly and monthly items that when purchased, will produce a Catalina called “Register Rewards” (RRs) that can basically be used like a coupon for cash off on your next order. There a few important things to understand about Register Rewards:

• Register Rewards deals are tracked by the register per purchase.  There is no loyalty card required.  That means there is no limit per card or household.  There is only a limit per purchase, and restrictions apply (which I explain in detail below).
• There are exclusions on each individual coupon, such as they can’t be used on gift cards, stamps, alcohol, dairy, etc.
• You can buy several different items with RR and receive them all.
• Only one register reward will print per different item in a transaction.  If you buy two toothbrushes that should each earn a RR in a transaction, only 1 RR will print.  You have to do separate transactions to get two RR in that case.
• Most RR won’t roll on the exact same item or the same manufacturer.  If you buy a toothbrush and get a RR, you can’t use that RR to buy another toothbrush like it and get another RR.
• Register Rewards will not be adjusted.
• A Register Reward is considered a coupon. When you check-out, you must have as many items as you do coupons. (Coupons include manufacturer’s coupons, in-ad coupons, and “monthly coupon book” coupons.  These all count towards your total.)  Usually I will grab a very inexpensive item to use my RR on, so that the overage will apply to the other items in my order.
• Register Rewards typically have a two week expiration date.
• What you want to do is keep “rolling” Register Rewards for other items (of a different manufacturer) that print out Register Rewards, whenever possible.

If your RR does not print, let the cashier know immediately.  If they store fails to fix the problem, get your receipt and call 1-888-8coupon, option 3.

Here is an example of what a Walgreens deal would look like:

Gillette Fusion MVP Manual or Power Razor System, $8.99, Get $6.00 RR

$4.00/1  9/27 PG

For this deal, the razor would cost  $8.99 – $4 coupon=$4.99 out of pocket.  Then a $6 RR will print.  That’s a moneymaker!