Major supermarket announces end of loyalty program from next week – and customers are not happy

Co-op supermarket has ruffled some feathers after announcing it will be scrapping its loyalty rewards program later this month.

The chain's current loyalty program offers Co-op members the opportunity to earn 2p back for every £1 spent in store, but this is being abolished across Britain from January 24.

The company has revealed plans to replace the program with an exclusive member prize card that will give shoppers access to offers and discounts for a price of £1.

However, shoppers remain unconvinced and sometimes feel they have been 'shocked' by the decision, with one person calling the measure 'the biggest joke of the year' and another calling it 'fraud'.

Take to X, formerly known as Twitter, one person wrote: 'This was the biggest joke of the year so far: “You no longer get 2p points when you spend £1, we have lower member prices”. Coop used to be so good.”

One customer compared the new deal to fraud and even accused the supermarket of intercepting customer data.

They posted: “This gives no value back to the members. This is fraud for both members and the public. There are no rewards whatsoever, people just have to scan a Coop card so YOU ​​can collect OUR details and not get ripped off at the checkout. At least with Tesco you get Clubcard points' @Tesco Clubcard you do!'

Someone else agreed with this sentiment, writing: 'So I see you've decided to do what everyone else is doing and remove the points system on the Coop card, raise the share prices and then 'lower' them back down if you use uses the cooperative card to obtain personal data from us in principle free of charge. Shame'.

Another said on behalf of older customers, “I like to see you're making things harder for older customers by eliminating your rewards program. Just what they need in the cost of living crisis.

One disgruntled user wrote: 'So basically you're taking away the reward points and giving us nothing

“Oh well, no £100 plus to spend for my Christmas 2024 thanks to member rewards ending,” said another.

Meanwhile, one person chided the store for refusing to reciprocate their loyalty: So the last remaining “loyalty” program that wasn't half bad is now going the way of everyone else. That's what you get for being loyal, instead of choosing yourself.'

The Co-op user page defended itself against the barrage of angry tweets, writing: 'Co-op is a convenience chain, as opposed to a discount store/supermarket.

The company has revealed plans to replace the scheme with an exclusive members price card that will give shoppers access to offers and discounts for a price of £1, but some shoppers are not convinced.

Some people felt like they were being 'shaken' by the decision, with one person calling the measure 'the biggest joke of the year' and another calling it 'fraud'.

'We've introduced lower member prices on almost 200 everyday essentials for all Co-op members and from January 24 this will include more than 100 products from the brands you love. Kind regards, LS'.

A spokesperson for the Co-op has since confirmed that the long-standing loyalty rewards program will end on January 24.

A statement from the supermarket said: 'We know times are difficult for our member-owners and communities at the moment. That's why we listened and made some changes to give more value back to them while supporting local communities.

'From January 24, members will now benefit from a significantly increased number of member prizes and offers across our businesses, in lieu of earning rewards for purchasing Co-op branded food purchases.

The Co-op user page defended itself against the flood of angry tweets and posted its own message

'For the first time, our member-owners will benefit from price reductions on both branded and own-brand food. And every week you can choose from two personalized offers.

'Our analysis shows that member awards are much more financially rewarding (a 90 percent increase in rewards) than the rewards available through the previous mechanism.

“We are not a loyalty program; Our members also benefit from owning our cooperative, with more opportunities to participate in our community activities and the ability to choose a local cause to receive funding.

'[They have] opportunities to have a say in the way our cooperative is run'.