Supermarket chain Tesco has angered some of its shoppers after announcing a new Christmas scheme for anyone who holds one of their Clubcards.
The Big Four grocer shared on social media how they intend to help with the cost of living crisis this festive season, but some shoppers have slammed the announcement as "greedy". In the middle of a scorching heatwave, Tesco has suggested that shoppers should "spread the cost" of rising food prices by doing their festive shopping months in advance.
And it looks like many shoppers were not happy with the supermarket who thought the announcement was in "bad taste", reports The Mirror.
The early Christmas shopping announcement comes as shoppers have already been hit with a £454 annual increase on their grocery bills, due to inflation reaching its second-highest level.
The supermarket's post read: "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."
The saver allows Clubcard members to save the vouchers they collect as they shop throughout the year.
Those who opt-in by July 21 will be all to 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.
Many customers were furious the supermarket was having people think of the festive period while the cost of living skyrockets.
One wrote: "What bad taste on your part Tesco. As if there wasn’t enough pressure to feel your greedy ‘Xmas spirit’ already.
Another said: "Disgusting really. 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."
One fumed: "Honestly don't 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."
One added: "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.."
Others took issue with being reminded of Christmas in July during a heatwave.
One said: "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. One said: "Great to see, well done Tesco, jingle all the way!!!"
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."
The Mirror has contacted Tesco for a statement.
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