WOONSOCKET, R.I. — CVS/pharmacy has launched a promotion in which loyalty card customers earn free gift cards by purchasing designated items.

The drug store chain said Monday that under the promotion, which began Oct. 16 and runs to Dec. 25, ExtraCare Rewards program members can get free $10 gift cards to Macy’s, Gap, Applebee’s, Shell gas stations, American Express, Barnes & Noble or CVS/pharmacy every week by spending $30 on specially marked items found in the weekly CVS circular, also available online.

Eligible products — clearly marked as part of the "Earn Free Gift Cards" promotion — will range from health and beauty aids, groceries and snacks to household items, toys and electronics, according to CVS. The retailer noted that products included in the promotion will change each week.

Once ExtraCare customers reach the $30 required purchase in the weeklong period, a special coupon will print on their receipt that can be redeemed immediately or later on for a $10 gift card. Customers have up to 30 days to redeem the gift card coupon. Shoppers also can earn up to five gift cards each week by making the qualifying $30 purchases (one $10 gift card is earned for each qualifying $30 purchase). There is a limit of five redemptions per week for each ExtraCare member.

"Our new promotion makes it easy for ExtraCare members to earn gift cards while shopping for popular items each week at CVS/pharmacy," Judy Sansone, vice president of merchandising for CVS/pharmacy, said in a statement. "To participate, shoppers simply scan their ExtraCare Rewards card when purchasing specially marked items included in the CVS/pharmacy circular each week. Participants who make the qualifying purchases can then choose their favorite gift card option from a variety of participating brands, and then opt to keep those gift cards for themselves or gift them to friends and family for birthdays, holidays and other celebrations."