Waitrose is axing popular freebie as customers say 'what a shame' and 'disappointing'

Waitrose has announced plans to scrap its free newspaper loyalty perk.

The freebie is currently available to some customers who are signed up to the myWaitrose . Previously, all myWaitrose shoppers were able to claim a free newspaper when they spent £10 or more in store or online at the supermarket. The terms and conditions of the scheme changed in February 2022, so that only shoppers who regularly buy a newspaper using their myWaitrose card at the checkout will receive this offer in the form of a voucher.

At the time, said this was part of a push to introduce "more personalised offers" to customers. However, a new email sent to customers this week said the free newspaper vouchers will be ending for good on October 29. Waitrose customers have taken to social media to share their disappointment.

One person said: "Received an email giving 6 days notice that I’ll no longer receive free newspaper vouchers as part of your loyalty scheme. Given that the other benefits are of zero interest I shall take my custom & cash elsewhere." Another posted: "Disappointing you are removing the free newspaper from your benefits. My parents only go into Waitrose on the weekends for the free paper but always ended up buying other things walking through the store. Guess they’ll be no need for them to go in there now."

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A third said: "What a shame free newspaper is going. It was the only reason I could justify the cost of Waitrose over the competition. Not a huge saving but a feel good factor. Will stop going." A fourth added: "Waitrose has given their loyal customers less than a week's notice that free newspaper vouchers are ending."

A Waitrose spokesman said: “Our newspaper offer was retired in February 2022, as it was only being used by 5pc of customers. A small number retained the offer as a temporary goodwill gesture, but we’re phasing these out to invest in rewards that benefit all members. These customers will get additional rewards over the coming weeks to thank them for their loyalty, as well as our wider benefits, like free hot drinks and personalised offers, which remain hugely popular.”

It comes after Waitrose announced a new deal with Just Eat last month which means shoppers in London, Birmingham, Glasgow, Manchester and other cities can now purchase Waitrose food on the takeaway app. Waitrose said it has seen weekly on-demand grocery sales surge by 140% in the first six months of the year, following similar partnerships with Deliveroo and Uber Eats.

Just Eat customers will be able to purchase from the Waitrose premium range, Duchy Organic, as well as upmarket ready meals, Gail’s Bakery-branded items and a range of wines, beers and spirits. Waitrose said it will also introduce its range – of more than 550 items and 175 new products – to the delivery platform.

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