Yahoo Finance Sainsbury’s announces big change for Nectar card holders
Sainsbury's (SBRY.L) has announced major shake up to its Nectar card scheme to take on rival Tesco Clubcard (TSCO.L), with customers set to benefit from the changes.
On top of being able to collect Nectar points in the usual way, loyalty card holders will now also be able to make the most of brand discounts.
Nectar card holders will benefit from lower prices on selected items. For example, Nescafe (NESN.SW) Gold Blend instant coffee will cost £4 for cardholders rather than £8.10, Heinz (KHC) baked beans will cost 95p instead of £1.40, and Tanqueray gin will be £19 instead of £27.50.
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Ariel All-in-1 pods will cost £5 for Nectar card customers instead of £10.50.
In total 300 items across stores will be available at lower prices for Nectar card holders.
The loyalty programme rivals the Tesco Clubcard which rewards members with deals when they shop.
Nectar Prices provide Nectar members with exclusive deals when they swipe their card or app in-store, or link it to their Sainsbury’s account online.
Sainsbury's said the scheme was a way of "saying thank you" to loyal customers.
"How we reward loyalty matters to us, as well as our customers. That’s why, in 2018, we bought Nectar," the supermarket said on its website.
"As always, customers can collect and spend points with hundreds of brands, like Sainsbury’s and Argos. And how they spend these points is up to them. They can get money off their next shop or exchange them for rewards from any of Nectar’s partners."
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Items will be clearly marked with a Nectar Price label visible on the shelf edge in-store or next to each product online.
However, the deals will not be available in Sainsbury’s locals, concessions or petrol stations.
According to supermarket CEO Simon Roberts, the new range is "just the beginning", with more discounts to come.
Members still earn Nectar points on products they buy — which can then be spent with other partners such as Argos, Caffe Nero or British Airways (IAG.L).
Sue Davies, Which? head of food policy, said: "At a time when people have less money to spend due to the cost of living crisis, it's important that they can access lower priced products. However, these Sainsbury's Nectar deals should also be rolled out to convenience stores so people on low incomes who rely on these shops can also benefit.
"Sainsbury's should provide comparable unit pricing alongside both Nectar Price and regular items so that its pricing is as clear, transparent and consistent as possible. Customers can then easily compare Nectar deals with other prices in-store and in alternative supermarkets, to get the best value for money."
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