Office Depot Updates Loyalty Program

Office Depot has announced updates to its loyalty program that will save customers money and offer expanded benefits.

According to Chain Store Age, the move comes after a year-long pilot in several markets that enabled the company to gather customer feedback and redesign the program. The end result is a card-free rewards program — “Office Depot OfficeMax Rewards Everything” — integrated withing the Office Depot mobile app.

Customers earn 2 percent on every purchase, and there is no minimum required to redeem reward dollars. Members can use available rewards at any time in Office Depot or OfficeMax stores or online. They will also have access to members-only promotions and personalized offers based on their shopping habits. Office Depot OfficeMax Rewards Everything members can also earn $2 in rewards by posting online product reviews.

For customers who spend more on office supplies — such as small businesses — there is a VIP tier that offers special perks. For example, after spending $500 within a year, VIP members will receive free delivery with no minimum purchase and earn 5 percent back on ink, toner, paper, printing and copying services for 12 months. VIP members also receive exclusive promotions, a birthday offer and free product samples or services.

“’Office Depot OfficeMax Rewards Everything’ simplifies our loyalty program by offering 2 percent back in rewards on everything — and we mean everything,” said Lukana Justin, vice president of customer marketing for Office Depot. “It’s simple to use and save while providing members with quicker access to rewards.”

The new program comes after an announcement that the company plans to close 300 office supply stores over the next three years in a major cost-cutting effort. According to reports, Office Depot also plans to revamp its retail model — and return capital to shareholders — following a failed merger with Staples last May and the August 2016 departure of CEO Roland Smith.