Waitrose to scrap free newspapers for loyalty-card customers
Waitrose is ditching free newspapers for loyalty card-holders from 22 February in the latest example of supermarkets cutting costs amid surging inflation.
Members of the myWaitrose scheme can claim back the cost of a range of newspapers if they spend £10 with the supermarket.
In a letter to scheme members, Waitrose said it would replace the current deal with more personalised offers, which would change each week.
A spokesperson said: “We’re improving the myWaitrose programme to offer customers personalised discounts on the products they buy most.
“While the newspaper offer was enjoyed by some of our customers, in reality it was only being used by around 5% of members. The new approach will mean that all members can make greater savings by receiving benefits tailored to them.”
The change sparked outrage among some of the the supermarket’s shoppers, coming just under a year after the retailer stopped offering free coffees to MyWaitrose members in stores. The retailer said the coffee deal was paused during the pandemic but did not give a date when it may return.
One shopper tweeter: “What?! @waitrose are stopping their #myWaitrose newspaper offer!!! and their list of consolation offers are not comparable! The paper with the myWaitrose Saturday shop has been the cornerstone of our family’s weekend for YEARS! Not happy with this at all. I want to know why?!”
Several loyalty card holders said the free paper was their main reason for membership.
One said tweeted: “Austerity has finally arrived at @waitrose No more free newspapers with your shopping! I used to walk down to Waitrose a few times a week for top ups and the free newspaper was a real bonus, now the local @Tesco will do just fine.”
Supermarkets are searching for ways to cut
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