Leading supermarkets and retailers are excluding millions of customers from their loyalty programs, according to Which?
Here’s what the retailers had to say:
Boots
At Boots we strive to provide all customers with great prices and value for money through a wide range of offers, discounts and promotions. Anyone aged 13 or over with a postal address in the UK can also join the Boots Advantage Card scheme. Members can benefit from personalized and exclusive offers in store, online, via our app and in our mailings.
Cooperative
Co-op told Which? that anyone of any age can become a member. Permission from a parent or guardian is required for persons under the age of 16 to become a member of the cooperative. To become a member if you are under 16 years of age, a temporary membership card can be purchased and registered by telephone. A parent or guardian must be present to provide consent during registration.
Lidl
Lidl told Which? that their Lidl Plus app is part of their commitment to offering customers the best value, allowing them to further enhance their customer experience with new features and exclusive campaigns that go beyond promotions.
They said this is in addition to the fact that as a discounter they do everything they can to give households access to good food at low prices. Nevertheless, they are taking into account those who do not have access to a smartphone or tablet and continue to offer in-store promotions through our Pick of The Week offers.
The applicable age restriction is in accordance with legal requirements regarding elements within the app, such as certain promotions or partner offers, including those that require adult consent. Lidl say they are not aware of any other schemes as low as 12/13.
Nectar
We strive to make it as easy and convenient as possible for customers to join Nectar. You can sign up in various ways, for example via our website or mobile app, by registering in-store with one of our colleagues or by calling our Nectar Helpline team.
The spokesperson added that if a customer contacts the Nectar Helpline team, they can manually register for a Nectar account without the need for an email address or mobile number. Additional cardholders must be over 18 years of age, unless they are on their parent or legal guardian’s account.
Super drug
As an accessible retailer, we want to offer all our customers a good price. Every month we give our loyal Health & Beautycard members access to hundreds of health & beauty products at a lower price.
Delivery is only available to addresses within Great Britain and the Republic of Ireland. Therefore, Health & Beauty Card membership reflects this and is available to residents of the United Kingdom over 13 years of age or the Republic of Ireland (over 16 years of age). Customers can sign up and register for a physical H&B card or a digital card in store, online or via the Superdrug app.
Superdrug also reiterated that you do not need an address to become a member. Customers can register in store or online with their name and an email address, address or telephone number.
Tesco
Clubcard offers the best value at Tesco, with shoppers saving £360 per year thanks to Clubcard Prices*. It’s easy and free to sign up and join the 22 million UK households who already have a Tesco Clubcard.
Guard rose
We work hard to offer myWaitrose customers a wide range of benefits including personalized vouchers, exclusive promotions, free hot drinks, magazines and more.
Our digital approach allows us to personalize offers and share benefits quickly, easily and securely. Our age and address requirements are consistent with those of some other retailers and reflect our store locations.