Rolling out New Digital Loyalty Program next Month.

Retailer Canadian Tire is rolling out a new loyalty program next month, as a way for customers to earn rewards in addition to the much-loved Canadian Tire money.

It says the digital rewards program, accessible through a card or an app, will allow customers to collect and redeem Canadian Tire money without carrying bills.

The program will launch in Nova Scotia on October 10, and in the rest of Canada on October 28.

But the retailer adds that paper Canadian Tire money will continue to remain in circulation.

Canadian Tire money was introduced in 1958 and was conceived by Muriel Billes, wife of Canadian Tire’s co-founder A.J. Billes.

The bills are available in denominations of 5“, 10”, 25“, 50”, $1 and $2 and allow consumers to use them toward eligible purchases.

“As Canada’s oldest loyalty program , we know Canadian Tire ’Money’ holds an extraordinary place in the hearts of Canadians,” said Allan MacDonald, chief operating officer.

“We’re building on it by introducing another way to reward loyal customers who prefer the ease and convenience of digital currency and rewards, further improving the Canadian Tire shopping experience and ultimately helping our customers tackle the jobs and joys of everyday life inCanada. ”

A quick look at Canadian Tire money as ’Sandy McTire’ goes digital

Some facts about Canadian Tire money and its new digital version:

— Digital program will allow customers to collect and redeem Canadian Tire money through a card or an app. Launch is Oct. 10 in Nova Scotia; elsewhere in Canada on Oct. 28.

— Paper bills to remain in circulation.

— Canada Tire money introduced in 1958 and believed to be Canada’s oldest loyalty program. Bills available in denominations of five, 10, 25 and 50 cents as well as $1 and $2 and allow consumers to use them toward eligible purchases.

— The Scottish character Sandy McTire has appeared on the bills since 1961. They originally featured a happy tire and dollar sign, which was the Canadian Tire logo from 1926.

— Customers have been known to bring in large quantities of the bills, sometimes in a suitcase, to purchase merchandise such as lawn mowers.

— Bills have occasionally been accepted by other merchants as tender for payment.

Quote: “As Canada’s oldest loyalty program, we know Canadian Tire money holds an extraordinary place in the hearts of Canadians,” —d Allan MacDonald, chief operating officer after the digital rewards program was announced.