Woolworths launches members-only prices for Everyday Rewards shoppers – sparking heated debate
Woolworths has come under fire for launching exclusive member discounts in its stores.
The supermarket giant introduced the “Member Price” system for Everyday Rewards members, indicated by new orange and white labels on the shelves.
And while it’s free to join and become a member, some shoppers are outraged because they have to hand over their personal information to get the best price.
Jarrod, who says he ‘rarely’ shops at Woolworths because of the prices, called the latest development ‘unreliable’ and ‘money grabbing’.
“Woolworths, you cheeky dorks, we knew it was coming… I didn’t think it would come so soon,” he said in a TikTok video and sounded excited.
However, others said the decision was a great opportunity to save money.
On a visit to Woolworths, Jarrod was furious to see that new member prices had been introduced in the store. “Woolworths, cheeky dorks, we knew it was coming. I didn’t think it would come so soon,” he said in a TikTok video
In the TikTok video, Jarrod shared his complaints, claiming that the member prices “replace specials that already existed.”
There is an image of packs of Chicken Kiev with the member price and regular price displayed.
You must have an Everyday Rewards Card to take advantage of this prize. But here I discovered a problem,’ he continued.
‘Being the pig that I am, I’ve always bought from this chicken range as I love the Kiev Garlic Balls. Now it used to be two for $15 – ALWAYS. Now it’s only two for $15 if you have a member price,” he claimed.
‘So it’s not that they are extra specials for members, they replace specials that already existed. What was already a special: if you don’t have a membership card, you now pay $ 9.50 per pack.’
In the TikTok video, Jarrod shared his complaints, claiming that the member prices “replace specials that already existed”
The angry shopper also commented on the application of member pricing to the vitamin range.
“The[prices]aren’t even that good, like two for $34 or two for $40. What if I don’t want two?” I just want one for half price, like you always did,” Jarrod continued.
“What about the poor old grandmas and grandpas who don’t even know how to use the Everyday Rewards card let alone sign up for it, download the app and all that stuff?
“It’s just unreliable, I hate it. Money robbery.’
Within 16 hours, the video was viewed more than 686,000 times and other shoppers agreed with his point of view.
“No more shopping at Woolies,” one remarked, another said, “You’re on it bro – I’m going elsewhere.”
“They will surely only lose customers,” a third wrote.
It’s free to join to become an Everyday Rewards member and receive exclusive member prizes
Others, however, seemed excited about the potential savings being offered.
Ana also shared a TikTok video praising the supermarket chain for introducing member pricing.
“We just got the deal of a lifetime for Coca-Cola and I’m shocked,” she said, adding that her husband Gabe likes to drink Coca-Cola on a regular basis.
It was during a visit to their local Woolworths that she first noticed the new prices.
There were two packs of Coca-Cola Zero Sugar advertised for $16.80 for members or $16.85 each for non-members.
“As a member, you actually get two for the price of one,” she said.
However, others seemed excited by the announcement. Ana also shared a TikTok video in which she praised the supermarket chain for introducing member pricing
A spokesperson for Woolworths Everyday Rewards told FEMAIL that the supermarket giant is making sure customers get their Woolies Worth every week by offering thousands of weekly offers.
“Our Everyday Rewards member price offers are a new way for us to provide even more value to our customers through our Everyday Rewards program,” said the spokesperson.
“We plan to continuously evolve our Member Pricing program and further Member Pricing offerings will be introduced in the coming weeks.
Our Everyday Rewards program is free to join and customers can sign up online or via the QR code in the store. To receive the ‘Member Price’ discount, customers simply need to scan their Everyday Rewards card at checkout.”
It comes at a time when Woolworths Group posted profits of $1.62 billion in the year to June, while shoppers are battling high inflation.
CEO Brad Banducci also received a 17 percent or $1.25 million pay raise as he spoke of customers struggling.
On average, Everyday Rewards members save $210 per year. The rewards program was also awarded the ‘Best Rated Loyalty Rewards Program’ for overall satisfaction by Canstar Blue for the second year in a row.
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