Supermarket giant Tesco has angered some shoppers after making an announcement about how Christmas will work for Clubcard holders this year. The grocer shared an update on social media, but it went down like a lead balloon with many.
On the hottest day ever on record in the UK, Tesco wrote : "We know it’s not exactly winter and this is the last thing on your mind but we want to help you spread the cost. Our Clubcard Christmas Savers lets you save throughout the year for your Christmas shop."
While Tesco was full of Christmas glee, the response looked more like a Scene from the Grinch. Shoppers were not happy, and accused Tesco of making people think about Christmas while prices continue to skyrocket.
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Al Do O Lee slammed: "What bad taste on your part Tesco. As if there wasn’t enough pressure to feel your greedy ‘Xmas spirit’ already. Disgusting really." Rick Gilroy said: "You’ll make plenty of money now you’ve put your carrier bags up to 30 pence from 20, helping us spread the cost, Merry Christmas."
Glenda Thompson fumed: "Honestly dont be so daft!!!! Xmas post in july!!!!! Ridiculous. You want to help ppl, then reduce your prices, and the proper food not snacks and rubbish." Edward Parkes said: "Oh how wonderful, this surely has to be the earliest mention of Christmas by a retailer in the history of retailing. Ever. Rather you sorted your two tier pricing out.."
Terry Bryan slammed: "You are not helping, you are putting people under pressure. Sit back on your piles of profit & wait until November!" Brian Stevenson said: "Yeah, what a super Idea, why don’t we all contribute to Tesco’s very healthy bank balance so that they can earn some interest off of our money, now why didn’t I think of that, what a really, really good idea, NOT."
Shelley Saunders wrote: "No you want to help people spend their money at Tesco!" Sue Simmons said: "Isn’t it bad enough the weeks and weeks of xmas rubbish we have to put up with - without you starting this in July. I shop every week at Tesco but this is peeing me off."
Others were annoyed to be hearing about Christmas in July - and, in the middle of a heatwave. Chris Carroll fumed: "Christmas comes soon enough. We don't need to be reminded of it 6 months in advance thank you!!!" Dave Coles moaned: "Here we go again the dreaded Christmas."
Some people did appreciate the gesture, though. Richard Hills said: "Great to see, well done Tesco, jingle all the way!!!"
Gwynedd Eileen praised: "I have done this for the past few years perfect way to buy Christmas food and gifts." Lisa Self said: "Never to early to think about Christmas."
A Tesco spokesperson told Manchester Evening News: "With household budgets under increasing pressure we are absolutely committed to helping our customers, by keeping a laser focus on the cost of the weekly shop. We have significantly increased the number of value lines we offer and whether it’s price matching basics to Aldi prices, promising Low Everyday Prices on household staples, or offering exclusive deals and rewards through thousands of Clubcard Prices – we’re more committed than ever to providing our customers with great value."
According to Tesco, the saver account allows Clubcard members to save the vouchers they collect as they shop throughout the year. With the average weekly shop for a family of four costing £99.40, shoppers could save at least 1,292 in points if they start saving today, which is the equivalent of £12.92 or an extra present under the tree.
Shoppers who sign up by 21 st July will see an additional benefit. Those who opt into Christmas Savers before this date can put all the points they receive in their August Clubcard Points Statement, earned on shopping and fuel purchases from May to July, towards their Clubcard Christmas Savers fund. Helping them to be even more prepared for the festive season.
What’s more, customers can save even more by topping up their account with cash to turn into vouchers and get a bonus from Tesco. The bonuses range from £1.50 for a £25 top up, through to £12 for a £200 top up – that’s up to 6 per cent added to their savings.
In November, just ahead of the big festive shop, account holders will be sent all their vouchers. Shoppers can then use their Clubcard Christmas Savers balance to spend on groceries, fuel and presents, such as toys in-store or with Clubcard Rewards partners to give the gift of family days out, spa days or magazine subscriptions. Vouchers are also worth up to x3 time more with Clubcard Rewards, so customers can really spoil their loved ones with an experience this Christmas.
Alessandra Bellini, CCO at Tesco said: “We know that many of our customers are feeling the financial squeeze this year and could do with a little help towards Christmas. The Clubcard Christmas Savers is a savvy way to spread the cost of Christmas, without compromising on the things that bring us joy at such a special time of year. It’s just one of the ways we’re helping customers to spend less at Tesco.”
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