NEW YORK - After more than a century of being in business, drug store chain Walgreens is finally entering the loyalty program space.

Reuters reported that the largest U.S. drugstore chain ?" which was just fine without a loyalty card ?" is ready to launch a program in one of its biggest marketing pushes in its 111-year history.

Beginning September 16, patrons can start using the new Walgreens loyalty card, which will blend aspects of frequent flyer plans and rival drug store chains and Duane Reade, which Walgreens acquired in 2010. Heading up the new program is Graham Atkinson, who led United Airlines?? Mileage Plus program, notes Reuters.

"This program is all about collecting points, saving up for a treat," Atkinson told the news source, adding, "If we get a more engaged customer, and ultimately a more loyal customer, they will give us a larger share of their shopping wallet."

Walgreen shoppers will earn points for buying certain items, filling prescriptions, getting shots and even participating in a walking program. And the points are worth more as users accrue them: 5,000 points nets a shopper a $5 reward, while 40,000 points rewards shoppers with $50 to use in the store or online.

"We're looking for tens of millions of sign-ups before the end of the year, and we do believe this can be as big, if not bigger, than the CVS program," added Atkinson.

CVS and Rite Aid, however, believe they have a good head start.

"You can't make a 12-year scotch in 12 months," said CVS CMO Rob Price told Reuters. "We feel a little bit that way about loyalty. A genuine relationship takes time to develop."