Tesco's famous Clubcard scheme has been hit with some big changes and controversy in the past week.
Tesco shoppers have slammed the supermarket giant's Clubcard prices scheme after learning that customers are paying double for some items outside of the plan.
The popular chain, which offers reductions for cardholders on dozens of items, has come under fire for charging some people double the Clubcard price for non members.
The news comes as the cost of living crisis continues to cripple UK households.
So what exactly are the new Tesco Clubcard changes and why has it been criticised?
Why has Tesco been criticised?
Customers claim to be paying double than non-Clubcard holders.
One customer took to Twitter, calling it "dreadful" that Tesco was charging £16 for an item with a Clubcard and £40 without it.
@virtual_ambvxr said: "This is dreadful… if you can sell it at £16 then sell it at £16. The Clubcards are literally free of charge so what is the point?
"You don’t gain anything from Clubcards. £40 is absolutely ridiculous. Seeing these crazy prices more and more in Tesco, it really is shocking!"
Meanwhile an image also posted to Twitter by a shopper appears to show Tesco charging £2.90 for Nescafe Azera coffee with a clubcard, and £6 without it.
"Tesco said 'what cost of living crisis?'" @catekitchen posted. JJM_1994 replied: "Tesco Clubcards are probably skewing the real (much higher) inflation stats."
Meanwhile @andy88jones said: "Tesco has basically turned into a tech company; they are enforcing Clubcards now to get your shopping data. Crate of Bud Light £16 or £9 with a Clubcard. Sneaky sneaky."
A Tesco spokesperson replied: “Through Clubcard Prices, we’re giving more than 20 million customers access to thousands of exclusive deals on everything from everyday staples like fruit and veg to treats like prosecco and ice-cream.
“It’s easy and free to sign up, and customers can register on the Tesco Grocery & Clubcard app, website or in store to start saving straight away.”
What are the new Tesco Clubcard changes?
The chain this week announced plans to scale pack paper coupons as part of a reform of its popular loyalty club.
From May, automatic statements and vouchers will stop arriving through letterboxes, unless the customer makes a specific request for physical coupons.
Instead, any accumulated points will be transferred into vouchers over email, with a barcode for consumers to scan at the checkout in stores.
Tesco told us it will make the change for those who regularly shop online, and that those users will get an email letting them know about the shake-up. Not all customers will be affected.
Earlier this month, Tesco reported its annual profits had more than trebled to £2.03billion.
But Tesco's chief executive, Ken Murphy, warned that retail operating profits are expected to fall this year, to between £2.4billion and £2.6billion due to soaring inflation.
The group said it envisages its own costs to rise and it plans to invest in prices to remain competitive in light of rocketing food inflation.
"Clearly, the external environment has become more challenging in recent months," Mr Murphy said.
"Against a tough backdrop for our customers and with household budgets under pressure, we are laser-focused on keeping the cost of the weekly shop in check - working in close partnership with our suppliers, as well as doing everything we can to reduce our own costs."
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