Company Responds to College’s Ban on Rewards Programs
EDMONTON, AB, 2014-4-17 — /EPR Retail News/ — Albertans who collect reward points, including Air Miles and Club Sobeys, on pharmacy purchases will be shocked to learn that the Alberta College of Pharmacists have adopted a resolution that will prohibit patients from collecting reward points on pharmacy purchases starting May 1, 2014.
“We strongly disagree with the College’s decision,” said Sandra Aylward, Vice President, Professional and Regulatory Affairs, Sobeys Inc. “Studies show that loyalty programs build stronger bonds between patients and their pharmacies, and encourage better patient adherence to prescription medication, which is in the best interests of patient health care.”
Millions of Albertans earn loyalty rewards and choose to use them to enrich their lives, buy products and travel. According to a survey conducted in 2012 by Research Now, 73% of Albertans believe a ban such as this to be unfair.
Sobeys Inc. will file a legal challenge on behalf of both Safeway and Sobeys pharmacy operations in an effort to overturn this unpopular ban.
Sobeys and Safeway pharmacists have been frequently honoured for their exceptional patient care, including Safeway recently being recognized by the Alberta College of Pharmacists as 2014 Alberta Pharmacy of the Year.
Albertans can voice their objections before the ban comes into effect. The company is encouraging pharmacy patients to immediately contact their MLA to express their concerns over the ban.
About Sobeys Inc.
Proudly Canadian, with headquarters in Stellarton, Nova Scotia, Sobeys has been serving the food shopping needs of Canadians for 106 years. A wholly-owned subsidiary of Empire Company Limited (TSX:EMP.A), Sobeys owns or franchises more than 1,500 stores in all 10 provinces under retail banners that include Sobeys, Safeway, IGA, Foodland, FreshCo, Thrifty Foods, and Lawton’s Drug Stores as well as more than 330 retail fuel locations. Sobeys and its franchise affiliates employ more than 124,000 people. The company’s goal is to be widely recognized as the best food retailer and workplace environment in Canada. More information on Sobeys Inc. can be found at www.sobeyscorporate.com.
Media Contact
John Graham, Director of Public Affairs
Safeway Operations, Sobeys Inc.
Phone: (403) 730-3511
Email: john.graham@safeway.com