Shop Smart with Boots Treatstreet

Have you heard of Boots Treat Street? This clever online shopping portal could save you a lot of money!

Do you wish you got more for your money when you went shopping? You might want to try a relatively new program from the pharmacy Boots called “Boots Treat Street.” If you are the type who loves to shop online, you can find yourself with some great deals as well as earn points for every purchase.

What is Boots Treat Street?

Boots Treat Street is an online shopping portal which was established in 2010. It allows users to obtain an Advantage Card, which they use to collect special Boots Advantage Card points every time they make a purchase online via the website. The offer is usually that the customer will receive one point for every £1 that they spend on one of the stores involved.

The points can be picked up with your card from the Advantage Card kiosk at a local Boots store. When you insert your card, the machine will tell you how many points you have accumulated on your card and automatically add them.

Then, you can use the points to buy items in your local Boots store. On almost all items, you will see a cash price and then a price for paying with your points. The total price will be taken off of your Advantage Card.

The website also offers exclusive vouchers to its customers, and special discount voucher codes on high end retail products. There are over 70 brands of online and high street retailers involved in the program, including eBay, Comet, Curry’s, Play.com and the Apple Store. There are a number of fashion shops available to, such as Marisota and Office Shoes.

Advantages and Disadvantages

What are the pros and cons to using this Boots Treat Street loyalty scheme?

Advantages

• You will earn four points for each £1 spent in store or one point for each £1 spent online.


• You can join special interest clubs, such as The Parenting Club, which will increase the number of points per pound you earn up to 10 instead of 1.


• You can use your points to buy things in the store, completely free.


• The card itself is free, and you will not have to pay a sign up charge or a monthly or annual membership fee.


• You can manage your account and do all of your shopping online.


• You will receive special discounts, sales, and offers on popular retail brands.

Disadvantages

• Although you can earn points online, you still need to go to a Boots store with an Advantage Card Kiosk to collect your points. This can make things difficult for those who live in an isolated area without a Boots store nearby. It also can be annoying when you want to buy something online with your Boots points and you cannot.


• The points cannot be used as partial payment on an item. You must either pay with money or points but not both.

If you do a lot of shopping and are a frequent customer of Boots, this loyalty rewards card might be worth it for you. It is a way to make your money go further and to receive great discounts on your favorite brands.

Shopping Spree in Jeddah

Whereas many cities on the Arabian Peninsula have only come into prominence recently, Jeddah has for centuries been a busy port and trading destination on the Red Sea coast. Its proximity to the important Islamic sites of Mecca and Medina have long made it a popular destination.

Goods travelling between east and west, gold, silks and spices all found their way through Jeddah. Today the city; although much changed is still famous for its souks and shopping malls. Its cosmopolitan citizens have imported products from all around the world and in turn have made it an interestingly diverse city.

Places to stay in Jeddah
Radisson Blu run various high profile hotels in Saudi Arabia including the seven-storey Radisson Blu Hotel, Jeddah, one of Radisson's two hotels in Jeddah, located in the heart of Jeddah's growing business district. Featuring distinctive mashrabiya windows, the hotel is close to the centre of the city and the downtown shopping centres of Corniche

Souks in Jeddah
The old town centre of Al Balad is a maze of narrow streets and coral houses. Within this warren of streets are hundreds of traditional souk markets. The busy, main market, the Souk Al Alawi is located in the heart of the old town and surrounded by houses.

Gold Souk of Al Sagha in the south east of Jeddah specialises in selling gold, silver and diamonds, a very popular market during the Islam festivals like Hajj. The Al Basha market in the east is famous for its mixture of spices, herbs, tea and such things as rope and water skins. At the Souk Al Nada, one of the oldest markets in Jeddah you can find almost anything from kids clothes to gold and jewellery.


Jeddah’s Shopping Centres
The traditional hustle and bustle of open-air markets in Jeddah have seen the addition in recent years of many modern, brightly lit, air-conditioned shopping malls. These still sell the age old goods of yesteryear but also have modern electrical appliances, televisions, computers and music stores in their midst.

Hera’s Mall was one of the first new style shopping malls in Jeddah and has recently received a refurbishment to keep up with the competition. Here you will find well-known international brands alongside customary household goods.

Mall of Arabia, on Medina Road is the largest shopping centre in Saudi Arabia. This massive precinct has lots of places to eat, ample parking and its own ice rink. Marks & Spencers, Debenhams, H&M, Mothercare and Miss Selfridges all have branches here.

Red Sea Mall, another of the largest shopping places, as well as many international brands it also has the exciting children’s area, Oceania and a 10 lane bowling alley and pool hall.

Al Khayyat Center is famously known as the shopping centre to go for all your international fashion needs, with brands such as D&G, Gucci and Dior all having outlets here.

Stars Avenue is one of the newest malls with a branch of Saks Fifth Ave and Carrefour.

Jeddah International Mall, the oldest mall in the city specialising in gold and Philippine cuisine in its large food hall. It is also decorated with artificial streams running through it.


Shopping etiquette in Jeddah
Remember when travelling around Jeddah and Saudi Arabia in general to dress conservatively and be aware of levels of decency. You should also check specific shops as some have women only floors or are closed to single young men at certain times. The doors will also be closed during prayer times so plan your shopping spree carefully.