TORONTO, Aug. 8, 2012 /CNW/ - Scotiabank and SHOP.CA today announced a new exclusive rewards opportunity for the increasing number of Canadians who do their shopping online. From now until December 31, 2012, Scotiabank customers will earn extra SHOP.CA Rewards when making purchases at SHOP.CA using their Scotiabank credit or debit card.

"Canadians continue to do more and more of their daily activities online," said Mike Henry, Scotiabank Senior Vice President and Head of Retail Payments, Deposits and Lending. "We've enhanced our credit and debit card banking services to meet this need. This exclusive agreement with SHOP.CA, a new and innovative Canadian-built business, is one more way that we can give added value to our customers who choose to shop online."

Canadians are increasingly turning to online and mobile shopping which is growing at a rate of approximately 13 per cent year over year, with global digital retailing expected to represent 15-20 per cent of all sales.

Launched in June 2012, SHOP.CA offers a wide range of products across dozens of categories and offers free shipping and returns in Canada up to 365 days. SHOP.CA is also available through its mobile site compatible with iPhone and Android devices.

"At SHOP.CA we are working hard to be the e-commerce destination where Canadian consumers can discover anything they want to buy online," said Drew Green, CEO and Founder of SHOP.CA. "While there are an increasing number of international e-commerce sites, not all deliver to Canada, the prices for international delivery can be prohibitive and cross-border returns are often difficult. We are a made in Canada alternative who provides free shipping, free returns, and cash back on every purchase through our SHOP.CA Rewards program. Scotiabank has a trusted relationship with their customers and we are honored to provide each and every one of their customers with enhanced levels of SHOP.CA Rewards when they shop with us."

Through this program, Scotiabank customers are entitled to immediate exclusive rewards when using their Scotiabank credit and debit cards at SHOP.CA:

• 2.5 per cent in SHOP.CA Rewards cash back on purchases; and
• $20 a month in SHOP.CA Rewards cash when making a purchase over $200.

"In addition to the exclusive SHOP.CA rewards, all of the benefits that come with our existing suite of rewards cards such as movie, hockey, and travel rewards plus cash back also accumulate under this program," said Henry.

"The SHOP.CA Rewards program has rewarded hundreds of thousands of dollars since launching last month, and our cash rewards currency is a key to our mission to create transparency for Canadians who want to shop and earn every time," added Green.

To learn more about this new partnership, visit www.scotiabank.com/shopca, or become a member and get shopping online at www.shop.ca or call 1-855-4-SHOPCA.

About SHOP.CA

SHOP.CA is committed to becoming Canada's leader in online shopping by striving to provide a unique Canadian experience that combines an authoritative selection of products, unparalleled service and a social loyalty program that rewards members on every purchase. Launched in June 2012, SHOP.CA offers Canadian online shoppers a compelling alternative to current shopping options.

About Scotiabank

Scotiabank is one of North America's premier financial institutions and Canada's most international bank. With more than 80,000 employees, Scotiabank and its affiliates serve some 19 million customers in more than 55 countries around the world. Scotiabank offers a broad range of products and services including personal, commercial, corporate and investment banking. With assets of $660 billion (as at April 30, 2012), Scotiabank trades on the Toronto (BNS) and New York Exchanges (BNS). For more information please visit www.scotiabank.com.

SOURCE: Scotiabank