Many of us love a good discount, whether a special offer, a loyalty reward, or a subscription deal that helps stretch the household budget further. Every saving counts for Australians, who often juggle fixed incomes and rising living costs.
If you’re one of the many Australians who rely on your Everyday Rewards card to stretch your budget further, you might want to brace yourself for disappointing news. Woolworths has just confirmed a major shake-up to its Everyday Extra subscription program, leaving many loyal shoppers seeing red.
For years, the Everyday Extra subscription has been a popular way for savvy shoppers to save a little extra at Woolworths and BIG W.
For $7 a month (or $70 a year), members have enjoyed perks like double Everyday Rewards points and a 10 per cent discount on one shop per month at Woolworths and BIG W.
But from 1 June, that 10 per cent monthly discount at BIG W is being scrapped. Instead, Woolworths says it will introduce ‘subscriber-only monthly deals’ at BIG W, but the details on what these deals will look like are still under wraps.
The 10 per cent discount at Woolworths will remain, as will double points at both stores.
According to a spokesperson, the decision is about ‘delivering more value to customers every day’ and keeping prices low across the board.
They pointed out that 80 per cent of BIG W’s clothing range and half of its home range are now under $20, suggesting that everyday low prices are replacing the need for monthly discounts.
‘Instead, we will be introducing subscriber-only monthly deals at BIG W. We will also continue to evolve the Everyday Extra program to give members new opportunities to earn and save.’
But for many Everyday Extra subscribers, that’s cold comfort. The 10 per cent discount at BIG W was a major drawcard, especially for families and grandparents who do big shops for birthdays, back-to-school, or the festive season.
Unsurprisingly, the backlash has been swift and vocal. Social media and online forums have lit up with frustrated customers, many of whom say they’ll cancel their subscriptions.
‘This is very quickly becoming not worth the money,’ one shopper wrote.
Another added, ‘I won’t be renewing mine…Like others, the BIG W discount was great, especially at Christmas time.’
Some are particularly upset that the change comes after they’ve already paid for a yearly membership, with one customer calling it ‘dodgy’ and another asking, ‘How do they keep changing the deal halfway through contracts?’
Woolworths has confirmed that if you’re unhappy with the change, you can cancel your Everyday Extra subscription anytime via the Everyday Rewards app or by contacting customer service.
This isn’t the first time Woolworths has ruffled feathers with changes to its rewards program. Last year, the supermarket giant tried to restrict the 10 per cent discount to in-store purchases, cutting out online shoppers.
After several customer complaints, Woolworths reversed the decision and reinstated the online benefit.
It remains to be seen whether the latest backlash will prompt another backflip, but for now, the change is set to go ahead from 1 June.
If you’re an Everyday Extra subscriber, will you cancel your membership, or do you still see value in the program? Have you found better ways to save at Woolworths, BIG W, or elsewhere? Share your thoughts and tips in the comments below.
Also read: $4 Woolworths product shoppers are calling ‘amazing’ for this everyday problem
They have changed the conditions on several occasions. Originally (from memory) it was $60 per year with 3 times points and 10% at Woolies and 10% at Big W (once per month up to $50). Almost immediately after they started, the cost went to $70 and the points dropped to 2 times. I hardly go to Big W and I plan 1 big shop (and several smaller shops) each month at Woolies to get the 10% off. Normally up to $30 to $35 so it will still be worth it for me, but it does leave a bad taste in your mouth. Based on the reason for dropping the Big W discount maybe they could drop the annual fee to say $50 (but don’t hold your breath!!)
Apparently they are also dropping the 10% monthly discount at Woolies for some of their mobile phone plans too. A shame because that 10% off once a month used on a $200 shop made the phone free.
I was a loyal Woolworths shopper for four decades. After the Woolworths card was given over to Macquarie Bank and the 10% off per month disappeared (without notification) I changed over to Coles as a backup to Aldi. I can’t think of a time in the last two years that I shopped at Woolworths. Any and all businesses and corporations listed on the stock market are profit over people, so I vote with my money and go where I can get the best deal or do less harm to the planet. Doesn’t always work out that way, but at least I try. and Woolworths – among others – can go to the devil.