TORONTO — This weekend, Shoppers Drug Mart Corp. plans to step up the savings for customers in its Shoppers Optimum loyalty card program.

The Canadian drug store chain said that on Dec. 4 and 5 it will hold its biggest "Spend Your Points" event ever at more than 1,180 Shoppers Drug Mart and Pharmaprix locations across the country for holders of the Optimum card, which is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year.

On those days, Optimum points will be worth more than ever before, providing extra savings on holiday gifts and everyday purchases for members who redeem their points, according to the retailer. For example, customers who spend 30,000 points get $60 off (an extra $19 more than the usual redemption amount), those spending 50,000 points get $125 off ($40 more than usual) and shoppers who spend 95,000 points get $250 off ($80 more than usual.

Besides providing added value in the redemption event, Shoppers Drug Mart said it also will offer hot prices on flyer items along with everyday low prices.

"This one-time event is our way of thanking customers and helping them to get the biggest savings and value during the busy holiday shopping season," Sandra Sanderson, senior vice president of marketing for Shoppers Drug Mart, said in a statement.

Also for the holiday shopping season, Shoppers Drug Mart/Pharmaprix has launched giftsmadeeasy.ca, an online holiday gift finder that enables customers to check out top picks and recommendations as well as browse for gift ideas based on the recipient’s interests.

For instance, the online gift finder recommends items for Stylish Guys (Decora wine box with bottle accessories, iPod docking station), Fragrance Aficionados (Armani men’s coffret set, fragrance sampler and certificate set for men and women), Spa Lovers (Burt’s Bees radiance set; Bath Retreat line of lotion, body mist and foam bath; Conair comfort spa set), Gadget Gurus (Duracell myGrid mobile device charger, Sony Blu-ray DVD player), Beauty Enthusiasts (Quo night-out cosmetic bag and shimmer shine set), Sweet Tooths (Ferrero deluxe assortment, Life Brand Scottish shortbread), Entertainment Buffs (iTunes and Cineplex gift cards), Best Kid Ever (Baby Alive doll, Buzz Lightyear CD boom box) and Surprise Me (Conair massaging men’s slippers, Shoppers Drug Mart holiday gift card).

Each gift can be added to a shopping list, which can then be printed, e-mailed or shared on Facebook and Twitter, Shoppers Drug Mart added.

"Whether it’s holiday decor, wrapping or gifts for that special someone, our incredible redemption event, coupled with our new online gift finder, make it easy and affordable for our customers to get everything they need this holiday season," Sanderson commented.