Registering for loyalty programs can pay off in big ways, often earning you coupons and discounts that you can use towards future purchases. It's almost like the store is giving you money to shop there - and when you spend it on items you would buy anyway, it's a perfect situation.
Here are some great rewards programs available locally.
1. Borders Rewards (425 Jericho Turnpike, Syosset – 516.496.3934)
Program: Register with and receive coupons via e-mail to use in-store or online.
Each time you shop at Borders, they will scan your Borders Rewards card and for every $150 in qualifying purchases, you’ll receive $5 in Borders Bucks. You will also receive free shipping on online orders of $25 or more and 30% off list price of hardcover bestsellers.
The upgraded Borders Rewards Plus will cost you $20 per year and in addition to the benefits of Borders Rewards, you will receive free shipping on all online orders and an additional 10% discount off almost everything in the store.
2. Starbucks (390 Jericho Turnpike, Syosset or 8285 Jericho Turnpike, Woodbury)
Program: Register your gift card online and earn stars in the My Starbucks Rewards program. Once you reach five stars, add options like free syrup and milk options, free brewed or iced coffee or tea refills during your visits, a free beverage with purchase of one pound of whole bean coffee and receive free trial offers for new products by mail.
When you reach 30 stars, enjoy Gold status for a full year and an additional 30 stars will keep you at Gold status for the following year. As a gold member, you get a free drink every 15 stars and personalized special offers. If you’re an iPhone user, download the Starbucks app and there’s no need to carry the card – they can scan your phone right at the register.
3. CVS (55 Cold Spring Road, Syosset 516.922.2636)
Program: Register for an ExtraCare card and earn ExtraCare Customer Rewards, or Extra Bucks, that can be used on future purchases. You will earn 2% back on purchases made online or at any CVS location as well as Extra Bucks for prescriptions filled at CVS pharmacies. Extra Bucks will print in the store every 3 months or you can go online and print them yourself.
4. Red Mango (357 South Oyster Bay Road, Plainview 516.433.2302)
Program: Register for a free Club Mango card and earn 10 points for every dollar spent at Red Mango. When you get 500 points, receive a $5 coupon good towards any purchase. As a member, you’ll also receive a $5 coupon on your birthday and free 50 points just for registering. You’ll also receive special coupons and promotions via e-mail that are exclusive to Club Mango members.
5. Cosi (441 South Oyster Bay Road, Plainview 516.937.0290)
Program: Register your card online for free and present it with each order, earning a free entrée after 10 purchases.
Amy Platt is a Syosset mom of two kids and the founder of LIParentSource.com, an online resource centralizing information and resources for local families.
