Sainsbury’s extends trial of new Nectar loyalty scheme across the country
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SAINSBURY'S has extended the trial of its new Nectar loyalty scheme across the country, according to reports.
Following a trial in the Isle of Wight, customers around the UK are now able to boost their points by pre-selecting offers on certain products, says .
The scheme is expected to officially launch in the new few weeks, the consumer website added, although the supermarket hasn't confirmed this.
In April last year, Sainsbury's started trialling the scheme in its Isle of Wight stores and petrol stations.
At the time it was said that if the trial is successful, the scheme could be rolled out nationwide.
Sainsbury's has remained tight-lipped about any wider roll-out of the new scheme, and didn't want to share any details when contacted by The Sun today.
But shoppers in Belfast, Brighton, Derby, Didcot and Wakefield have been able to take part by grabbing 100s of bonus Nectar points by pre-selecting tailored offers on the new Nectar app and website, MSE reports.
The consumer website also claimed it was able to claim bonus points this week in two central London stores and a branch in south-west London.
Although, it's worth noting that it's still a trial, so there's no guarantee you'll be able to access it where you live.
But if you want to try your luck anyway, you can sign up via the or by downloading the New Nectar app for and those with devices.
You'll need your Nectar details if you're already a Nectar cardholder.
Here's how to cut the cost of your grocery shop
SAVING on your shop can make a big difference to your wallet. Here are some tips from Hannah Maundrell, editor of Money.co.uk, about how you can cut the cost of your shopping bills:
- 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
Under the scheme, customers are sent a range of weekly points-boosting offers based on their shopping habits, such as 20 extra points on fish cakes, which you'll then be able to collect when you buy them.
Shoppers can view all of their tailored offers on the website or app, where they can "save" the ones they want to use before shopping.
When Sainsbury's first rolled out the trial, customers could get regular bonus points on their favourite items, but this feature has since been dropped.
It was also said that customers in the Isle of Wight would no longer automatically earn a Nectar point for each pound spent, but MSE found that you can still get it in other areas where the trial is available.
The loyalty card scheme might sound like a good idea, but make sure you don't fall into the trap of shopping at only one supermarket for the loyalty points because you might be able to get better deals elsewhere.
Steve Nowottny of MoneySavingExpert said: "With Sainsbury's remaining tight-lipped over the details of the new scheme will work, it's too early to analyse what these changes really mean - and whether they'll be better or worse for shoppers.
"But in the meantime, it seems Nectar customers who want to take part in the trial and try it for themselves can sign up right away."
A Nectar spokesperson told The Sun: "We’re fully committed to getting the scheme right for our customers, who we have listened to throughout the trial to make sure any changes we roll out nationally in the future reward our customers in the best possible way."
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A few week sago, a mum revealed how to receive Sainsbury's Nectar card vouchers BEFORE doing your shop.
As of last week, Nectar customers can also use their points to buy or rent Sky movies and box-sets even if you don't pay for a subscription.
Plus, here's all you need to know about Nectar and when Sainsbury's took over the scheme.
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