Asda shoppers urged new stores to check receipts after loyalty program switch
ASDA shoppers are being urged to check their receipts after confusion over the loyalty program.
The retailer will convert 470 convenience stores acquired from the Co-op and EG Group into smaller Express stores at the end of March.
It comes as the chain aims to become Britain’s second largest supermarket.
But the retailer is not yet allowing shoppers participating in the Rewards program to process vouchers or scan rewards.
Asda confirmed that the loyalty program is not available at Express stores as it operates under a different technology platform.
Yet customers have been left baffled after discovering they cannot redeem their loyalty points at Asda’s smaller Express stores.
One said: “Can someone please explain why you can’t use Asda rewards in Asda Express stores. I’m really confused by this.”
Another said: “Is this going to be fixed? I’m losing points!”
Meanwhile, a third added: “Why can’t you use the Asda rewards app in Asda Express stores, shocking.”
Consumer expert Martyn James is urging all Asda shoppers to ensure they check and keep their receipts. These can serve as proof of what you’ve spent in store and could come in handy if you want to redeem points at an Asda superstore elsewhere.
He said: ‘We tend to ignore the option of a receipt these days, but it’s crucial to have one when you shop, just in case a situation like this arises.
“Not only can you prove what you’ve spent, but you can also ask a supermarket to credit you with the correct points or provide an address as to why you couldn’t use your vouchers in store.”
Asda has stated on its website that its loyalty program is not available in its Express stores.
The loyalty program terms and conditions page states: “Asda Rewards is not available at Asda Express stores.
“This means you will not be able to earn or use your ‘Asda Pounds Cashpot’ in these stores.”
Asda added that the loyalty program will be rolled out in the future, but did not say exactly when, and that it is currently operational across all other Asda sites.
It said: “Asda Express is a new store format for us and we are currently going through a process of updating the systems to accept Asda Rewards.
“We have a team of people focused on this and expect this to be rolled out across all our stores in the future.”
It comes as Asda continues to roll out the opening of 470 smaller convenience stores acquired from the Co-op and EG Group.
The EG Group, a global convenience and fuel station retailer owned by the Issa brothers, bought Asda from Walmart in 2020.
Meanwhile, Asda bought 132 fuel stations and convenience stores from Co-op and EG for £438m in August 2022, with the takeover approved in June last year.
By the end of February, the supermarket will have converted 369 former Co-op and EG Group locations.
Express stores have opened across the UK, including in Plymouth, Reading, Leeds, Dundee and London.
The Express stores are smaller and more local, compared to Asda’s superstores, which are often found outside city centres.
The recently opened smaller sites offer a range of products including branded and non-branded items.
How does Asda’s Rewards program work?
Asda Rewards allows shoppers to build up “Asda Pounds” when they shop in-store or online and complete certain tasks.
These pounds go into a “Cashpot” which you then convert into vouchers that allow you to get cash on future purchases.
For example, one of the tasks currently available is that customers who spend €10 on cleaning products will receive €1 directly into their Cashpot.
You can also get €1 in your Cashpot if you spend €10 on skin care and cosmetics.
How to reduce your grocery store costs
MONEY.CO.UK has shared some top tips with us to help you keep your supermarket spend to a minimum.
- Write yourself a list – Only buy things you need. If it’s not on your list, don’t put it in the trolley
- Make a budget – Work out a weekly budget for your groceries
- Never shop hungry – You are much more likely to buy more food when your stomach is growling
- Do not buy pre-cut vegetables or fruit -The extra fees they charge for chopping can be mouth-watering
- Use social media – Follow your favorite retailers to find out about the latest offers
- Be unfaithful – You may want to go to different stores to find the best bargains
- Check the fine print – It’s always worth checking the price per kg/lb/litre when comparing offers so you make a decision as a bigger box doesn’t necessarily mean you get more
- Use your loyalty cards – Don’t be afraid to sign up for all of them. They all work a little differently: find out which bonus suits you best and don’t forget to redeem your points for extra rewards
You can download the loyalty app for free on your smartphone via Google Play or the App Store.
Every time you shop you need to scan the app at the checkout and the pounds will be added to your account.
In other news, sausage roll fans are furious after Greggs closed a branch in East Grinstead, West Sussex.
Additionally, money-saving expert Martin Lewis has warned shoppers to “do it now” due to the big change in Nectar points set to happen in just a few weeks.
Do you have a money problem that needs to be solved? Get in touch by emailing money@the-sun.co.uk.
Moreover, you can join us Sun Money chats and tips Facebook group to share your tips and stories.