I went in today and the guy was really helpful I explained about the promo, applied the $10 off at the electronics register and set me up with a red card. Also gave me a $4 additional discount for signing up with red card. $35.99 before tax.
VII is just so hard to play for me now, I swear if I encounter another random battle I'm going to break something. I hope Pokemon moves away from that as well even chrono trigger got it right!