Shoppers Drug Mart vs Rexall: Complete Price Comparison

Canada's Two Pharmacy Giants

Shoppers Drug Mart and Rexall together operate over 1,800 locations across Canada. Most Canadians live within a short drive of both, which means you have a real choice — and that choice can save you money. Let us break down how these two chains compare on the things that matter most.

Dispensing Fees Compared

The dispensing fee is charged every time a pharmacist fills a prescription. It is separate from the drug cost itself, and it varies significantly.

Key takeaway: Rexall tends to be $0.50 to $1.00 cheaper per dispensing fee. If you fill 12 prescriptions per year, that is $6 to $12 in annual savings — modest, but it adds up over time.

Drug Prices: Generic and Brand-Name

Both chains price their generic drugs similarly because provincial formularies set maximum prices. Where differences appear is in mark-ups on non-formulary drugs and over-the-counter medications.

Prices vary by location, so always use TransparentMedz to check current pricing at your nearest stores.

Loyalty Programs

Shoppers: PC Optimum

• Earn 15 points per dollar on pharmacy purchases
• Regular 20x points events (effectively 30% back in points)
• Points redeemable at Shoppers, Loblaws, No Frills, and other Loblaw-owned stores
• Personalized offers through the app

Rexall: Be Well Rewards

• Earn 15 points per dollar on most purchases
• Bonus point events on select products
• Points redeemable only at Rexall locations
• $5 reward for every 7,500 points earned

The verdict: PC Optimum wins on flexibility. Being able to redeem points across grocery stores and pharmacies makes the program significantly more valuable for most families.

Services Comparison

Store Experience and Convenience

Shoppers Drug Mart operates over 1,300 locations across Canada, giving it a clear advantage in accessibility. Many locations are open 24 hours, which matters for emergency prescriptions. The stores also function as convenience retail outlets with extensive beauty, food, and household sections.

Rexall has roughly 400 locations, concentrated in Ontario and Western Canada. Stores tend to be smaller and more pharmacy-focused, which some customers prefer. Wait times can be shorter because of lower foot traffic.

Which Should You Choose?

Here is a quick decision framework:

• Choose Shoppers if you value the PC Optimum program, need extended hours, or want the widest selection of in-store products
• Choose Rexall if you want slightly lower dispensing fees, prefer a quieter pharmacy experience, or live near a convenient location

The best approach is to compare prices for your specific medications using TransparentMedz before committing to either chain. Your most expensive prescription should drive the decision — loyalty points matter less than a $10 price difference on a monthly medication.