Customers will have to bring their own cup to get the free drink
(Picture: Stonehouse Photographic)Waitrose’s fan-favourite free hot drink offer for its loyalty card members is making a return to stores across the nation after a two-year hiatus.
The incentive was originally launched back in 2013 and offered myWaitrose cardholders a free coffee without the need to purchase anything from the store.
Waitrose later changed its policy to make a purchase necessary and started asking customers to bring their own reusable cups.
The incentive was scrapped during the pandemic, but as the cost of living crisis grabs a hold of families, its return is expected to be welcomed with open arms.
The supermarket chain and its parent company, John Lewis Partnership, are hoping it will help their sales, too, as Waitrose suffered a 5% drop in sales in the first half of the year. Most have attributed the decrease to the cost of living crisis driving customers to cheaper rivals.
Starting next month, on November 7, myWaitrose cardholders will be able to claim a free Americano, latte, cappuccino or tea once a day when they make a purchase.
The retailer hasn’t set a minimum spend restriction on the offer, which means even those who buy a single item will be able to get a free cup of coffee.
As before, customers will be asked to use their own cups to prevent unnecessary waste.
Customers who want a warm cuppa but don’t want to join the loyalty programme will be able to purchase drinks. Teas will be priced from £2.25 and coffees from £2.35.
Waitrose has teamed up with Caffè Nero for the offer, with the Nero Roasting Company set to supply the coffee beans.
The supermarket will also start stocking a selection of Caffè Nero’s coffee products including capsules, ground coffee and whole coffee beans, offering its loyalty programme members exclusive discounts.
From November 7 until November 30, myWaitrose members will enjoy a 20% discount on Caffè Nero products in-store and online.
Charlotte Di Cello, commercial director at Waitrose, said: “Our customers loved the myWaitrose free coffee offer, so we’re really excited to bring it back, with premium beans from The Nero Roasting Company.
“The partnership is an ideal fit, helping customers enjoy quality coffee both in-store or at home – with even more benefits in the pipeline.”
