Marks and Spencer ‘reviewing loyalty offers’ but M&S boss says ‘Sparks Prices’ is not likely
Marks and Spencer is reviewing the current Sparks loyalty offer
PA
M&S’s boss has hinted “Sparks Prices” are not likely, following the end of a short-term trial which gave loyalty card holders cheaper prices in-store compared to non-members.
The supermarket trialled the discount on four selected products last year in around 50 stores in South Wales, the northeast of England and the West Midlands.
M&S CEO Stuart Machin told journalists last week that the chain was “reviewing” its loyalty programme but did not think it was likely they would roll out Sparks Prices, Grocer magazine reports.
The publication reports he said: “Do I see us doing Sparks prices? To be honest, I don’t.
Do you have a money story you'd like to share with GB News? Get in touch by emailing money@gbnews.uk.
Marks and Spencer CEO Stuart Machin said the chain was “reviewing” its loyalty programme
MARKS AND SPENCER
“I think there’s an opportunity with our loyalty programme and we are exploring those opportunities now.
“We know our customers would much rather have great products at everyday trusted prices and I’m quite stuck to that because that’s what our customers tell us.”
A number of other supermarkets have launched loyalty card prices in recent years.
However, there has been criticism of some of the offers, such as regarding the risk of certain groups such as those who may be "digitally excluded" not being able to access the offers.
An M&S spokesperson said: “In just over three years, we’ve more than doubled the number of M&S Sparks members to over 18 million – rewarding members with personalised offers, special treats and little thank-yous.
“We are reviewing our current Sparks loyalty offer and as part of that, often trial new and different propositions.
“Last year, we carried out two small-scale trials around Sparks prices, which ended in early July last year as planned and which we won’t be rolling out.”
M&S relaunched Sparks as a Digital First loyalty scheme in 2020.
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS:
The retailer removed points and sale access tiers from the scheme, and introduced new instant rewards.
Members can download their Sparks card via the M&S app on their phone or store it via their M&S online account.
Rewards can be earned either in-store or online.
At the time of the relaunch, M&S confirmed physical cards would continue to be available, but said the "best and most personal experience" of the relaunched scheme would be available through the app and on the M&S website.
You may like
