Like CVS, Walgreens can seem like a more expensive option, however if you know how to work their system, you can stock up on cheap and even FREE items!REGISTER REWARDS
Walgreen's has a reward program that works similar to CVS. Each week, Walgreens will list items in their circular that produce Register Rewards (RR). When you buy an item listed, the RR will print at the cash register like a CRT and can be used to take money off of your next purchase.
For example, if Walgreens has Pantene Shampoo marked $3/2 and you get $1 RR wyb 2, you'll pay $1.50 each out of pocket and get back $ RR, making your final total $1.00 each after RR. You can use coupons to lower your OOP even more. The goal is to roll your register rewards to keep your OOP low. So, next week, you can take in your $1.00 RR back in and another product that produces RR with purchase and use the $1 RR to lower your OOP.
Walgreen's RR expire after 2 weeks, so to play the game, you have to frequent Walgreens at least every two weeks, so your RR won't expire. Your RR work like cash on our final total, but are entered like coupons, and can be used on any item in the store excluding alcohol, gift cards, and other noted exclusions (read the fine print on your RR). Unless otherwise noted, RR do not roll on the same product, so if you went back to purchase two more Pantene shampoos and used your $1 RR, you would not get a 2nd $1 RR with your receipt.
CIRCULAR
The Walgreen's circular and sales run Sunday through Saturday and is nationwide, so the deals listed on In Good Cents should match those in your area. You can view the circular online HERE and also find a Walgreens in your area.
Inside the Walgreen's circular, you'll often find in-ad coupons, which can be used to lower your OOP and stacked with manufacturer coupon.
COUPON POLICY
Walgreens accepts coupons which include manufacturer, CRT manufacturer or Walgreen-issued, Catalina manufacturer, Walgreens-issued, and Internet. Coupons will only be accepted on or before their expiration date and the item purchased must meet all terms and qualifications for the redemption.
Unlike many other stores, Walgreens will only accept 1 coupon per item, even though you are allowed to use a manufacturer coupon with a Walgreen's coupon. For example, if you have an in-ad Walgreen's coupon to make Dove Body Wash $3 each and you have a $1/1 coupon from a recent insert, you can use both coupons, but you'll have to buy a small 2nd item so the amount of items purchased matches the amount of coupons used. I usually pick up a pack of gum or something else very cheap. To use coupons marked $1/2, you do have to buy two items, but it only counts as one coupon. Register Rewards and store coupons count as coupons.
Coupons that have a value higher than the price of the item will be lowered. Walgreens does not offer cash back. For example, $1/1 coupons will be lowered to $0.99 wyb a $0.99 item.
Also unlike most stores, Walgreen's coupons should be handed in a different order. First hand your RR, followed by your manufacturer coupons, then store coupons to save the most money. Walgreen's does sometimes issue $/$$ coupons. These sometimes state "after coupons", so your final after coupon total must be the maximum noted. If it is not noted, you can hand in your $/$$ coupons first, then your manufacturer and store coupons to lower your final OOP past the maximum stated on your $/$$ coupon.
BOGO SALES
When Walgreens has a BOGO sale, you buy one product and get the other FREE. Since you are buying 2 products, you can use one coupon for each product. Or you may use one BOGO coupon to get both products FREE.
RAIN CHECKS
Walgreens offers rain check for items that are out of stock. If your store is sold out of something, make sure to grab one.
SALES TIPS
When Walgreens has a sale that states "get $5 RR wyb $20 worth" or similar, all items must be purchased in single transaction. You can use coupons to lower the $20 maximum down and help with your final OOP.
Sales stating 2/$4 actually mean $2 each and not that you must buy 2 to get the sale price. Sometimes, Walgreen lists sales like $2 each when you buy 2. This means you must buy 2 to get the sale price. Pay attention to wording in advertisements.
