Woolworths under fire over major changes to popular Everyday Rewards program

Aussie shoppers have gone berserk at Woolworths after the supermarket giant announced changes to its Everyday Rewards Extra programme.

Woolworths announced that starting in July it would increase the program’s annual fee while reducing the number of points shoppers earn each time they make a purchase.

Here are the changes to Woolworth’s Everyday Rewards Extra you should be aware of:

• The annual subscription fee increases from $59 to $70 per year. The cost remains the same for monthly subscribers at $7 per month.
• Your monthly additional 10% off will remain available for in-store use at Woolworths and BIG W. It is no longer available for online use at Woolworths or BIG W (including Pick-up and Direct to boat orders).
• Your monthly additional 10% off will remain available for in-store use at Woolworths and BIG W. It is no longer available for online use at Woolworths or BIG W (including Pick-up and Direct to boat orders).
• You collect 2x Everyday Rewards points in every store at Woolworths and BIG W, both in-store and online, instead of 3x Everyday Rewards points.

Woolworths is also making changes to the Delivery Unlimited service:

• Increased minimum spend for delivery: The minimum spend threshold is increased from $50 to $75. This means you can get all orders of $75 or more for free same-day or next-day delivery.
• Paper and reusable bag fees: Woolworths now charges customers $1 per order for reusable bags, or $2 for paper bags.

All changes will take effect on July 1, 2023.

A spokesperson for Woolworths told Daily Mail Australia there are still many benefits for those who subscribe.

“As we continue to invest in Everyday Extra and our wider Everyday Rewards program, we will be making some changes to pricing and benefits in the coming months.”

“It’s been a year since we started trying Everyday Extra and it’s been nice to see the value early subscribers have unlocked from the program, saving them an average of $30 per month.

“As of July 1, Everyday Extra subscribers can still save up to $100 a month with monthly discounts when shopping at Woolworths and BIG W, double Everyday Rewards points on their daily groceries, and Extra Perks including free products.”

Woolworths is also making changes to the Delivery Unlimited service

However, many Aussies were unimpressed with the supermarket chain for switching Everyday Extra Rewards.

Definitely don’t extend. 10% can’t be used online – that’s literally how I get the groceries delivered,” one social media user wrote.

“The removal of the online discount is a huge kick in the guts for the elderly and people with disabilities who cannot shop in-store,” wrote a second.

“Well, they just lost me, as no online or direct-to-boat orders are eligible for the 10% discount anymore,” a third wrote.

This is literally how I do my shopping. So… Reduced points bonus, increased annual dues, removing the way I can use the discount, that’s a no from me. Thanks for nothing Woolies.’

Another said, “A way to isolate your rural customers there, Woolies. I live over an hours drive from the nearest Woolies. They deliver here once a week. So I always shop online and have it delivered. I think companies forget that not everyone lives in the capitals.’

A third wrote: ‘The ability to use it online sucks. I mainly do an online store and that 10 percent on one store really helps as the store is a month bigger than the others. With three young children it is more difficult to shop in the store than online.’

“This sucks,” declared a fourth.