Loblaw steps up fuel rewards

Loblaw Cos. is making it easier for members of its PC Optimum customer loyalty program to earn rewards points when filling up their gas tanks.

Canada’s largest food and drug retailer said Thursday that, under an agreement with petroleum company Imperial Oil, shoppers can accumulate PC Optimum points for fuel purchases at more than 2,000 Esso and Mobil gas stations across the country. 

PC Optimum members earn 10 points per liter on fuel and 10 points per dollar spent on eligible convenience and car wash purchases at Esso stations. Members will also get targeted offers allowing them to earn faster.

“There are currently close to 13 million Canadians participating in the PC Optimum program that come to us expecting exceptional convenience and value,” Jim Noteboom, senior vice president of loyalty at Loblaw Cos., said in a statement. "The addition of the Esso and Mobil brands to the program provides a powerful earning opportunity for our members, with more than 4,500 locations across the country now awarding points." 

More points can be earned by PC Optimum members for using a President's Choice Financial MasterCard to pay for gas at Esso stations. Loblaw said use of the card simplifies the experience by combining loyalty and payment in one swipe as well as boosts the earnings potential to at least 30 points per liter.  

The PC Optimum program will continue unchanged at Mobil fuel stations, Loblaw said. 

PC Optimum points can be redeemed for almost anything at Loblaw Cos.’ approximately 2,500 stores, which include the banners Loblaws Real Canadian Superstore, Atlantic Superstore, City Market, No Frills, Independent, Zehrs, Shoppers Drug Mart and Shoppers Home Health Care. Points can also be earned and redeemed online at Loblaw-owned grocery websites, joefresh.com and beautyboutique.ca. 

The PC Optimum program launched on Feb. 1 after Loblaw’s PC Plus and Shoppers Drug Mart’s Shoppers Optimum loyalty programs were combined. PC Optimum provides weekly personalized offers and exclusive point-earning and redemption events at stores across Canada.

“The availability of the PC Opti­mum program at Esso and Mobil stations provides Canadians with a fantastic opportunity to accelerate their ability to earn points in one of Canada's largest loyalty programs,” said Yan Côté, retail fuels manager at Imperial. “Imperial is excited to provide Canadians with more opportunities to realize value.”