POINTS PENALTY
Asda shoppers urged to check rewards after missing out on loyalty scheme points in mix-up at new stores
We reveal how the loyalty scheme works and what perks it brings
ASDA shoppers are being urged to check their receipts following confusion over its loyalty scheme.
The retailer is turning 470 convenience stores acquired from the Co-op and EG Group into smaller Express stores by the end of March.
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It comes as the chain aims to become the UK's second largest supermarket.
But the retailer is not yet allowing shoppers on the Rewards scheme to process vouchers or scan rewards.
Asda confirmed the loyalty scheme is unavailable at Express stores as it operates under a different tech platform.
Yet shoppers have been left baffled after discovering they can't redeem their loyalty points at Asda's smaller Express stores.
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One said: "Please can someone explain why you can’t use Asda rewards in Asda Express stores. Really confused by this."
Another said: "Is this going to be sorted? I’m missing out on points!"
Meanwhile, a third added: "Why can't you use Asda rewards app at Asda express stores, shocking that."
Consumer expert Martyn James is urging shoppers to check their apps to make sure they're not hit with a shock later on.
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"Customers should look at their apps to double-check they've not received points and avoid a disappointing future trip," he said.
Asda has noted on its website that its loyalty scheme is not available in its Express stores.
The loyalty scheme's terms and conditions page reads: "Asda Rewards is not available at Asda Express stores.
"This means that you can neither earn into, nor use, your “Asda Pounds Cashpot” at these stores."
Asda added the loyalty scheme will be rolled out in the future but did not say exactly when, and that it is currently operational across all other Asda sites.
Shoppers can't use receipts from shops at Express stores to retrospectively earn points either, the supermarket said.
It said: "Asda Express is a new shopping format for us and we are currently going through a process of updating the systems to enable Asda Rewards to be accepted.
"We have a team of people focused on this and expect this to be rolled out into all of our stores in the future."
It comes as Asda further rolls out the opening of 470 smaller convenience stores acquired from the Co-op and EG Group.
The EG Group, a global convenience and forecourts retailer owned by the Issa brothers, bought Asda from Walmart in 2020.
Meanwhile, Asda purchased 132 fuel forecourts and convenience stores from Co-op and EG in August 2022 for £438million, with the acquisition approved in June last year.
The supermarket will have converted 369 former Co-op and EG Group locations by the end of February.
Express stores have opened up across the UK, including in Plymouth, Reading, Leeds, Dundee and London.
The Express stores are smaller and more local, compared to Asda's superstores which are often found outside of town centres.
The newly-opening smaller sites offer a range of products including branded and non-branded items.
How does Asda's Rewards scheme work?
Asda Rewards allows shoppers to build up "Asda Pounds" when shopping in-store or online and completing certain tasks.
These Pounds go into a "Cashpot" which you then convert into vouchers to get money off future purchases.
For example, one of the tasks available today sees customers who spend £10 on cleaning products given £1 direct into their Cashpot.
You can also get £1 in your Cashpot if you spend £10 on skincare and cosmetics.
How to cut the cost of your grocery shop
MONEY.CO.UK has shared some top tips with us to help you keep your supermarket spend down to a minimum.
- Write yourself a list - Only buy items that you need. If it isn't on your list, don't put it in the trolley
- Create a budget - Work out a weekly budget for your food shopping
- Never shop hungry - You are far more likely to buy more food if your tummy is rumbling
- Don't buy pre-chopped veggies or fruit - The extra they'll charge for chopping can be eye watering
- Use social media - Follow your favourite retailers to find out about the latest deals
- Be disloyal - You may want to go to different stores to find the best bargains
- Check the small print - It’s always worth checking the price per kg/lb/litre when comparing offers so you’re making a like for like decision as a bigger box won’t necessarily mean you get more
- Use your loyalty cards - Don’t be afraid to sign up to them all. They all work slightly differently - work out what bonus suits you better and remember to trade in your points for additional rewards
You can download the loyalty app on to your smart phone for free by using Google Play or the App Store.
You have to scan the app at the till every time you do a shop and the Pounds are added to your account.
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In other news, sausage roll fans have been left furious after Greggs closed a branch in East Grinstead, West Sussex.
Plus, money-saving expert Martin Lewis has warned shoppers "do it now" over a big change to Nectar points coming within weeks.
Do you have a money problem that needs sorting? Get in touch by emailing money@the-sun.co.uk.
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