Waitrose has introduced a new subscription service targeted at loyal supermarket customers who frequently order groceries for home delivery.
The service offers a one-month delivery pass for £8, a six-month pass for £45, and an annual pass for £85. Without a pass, a single delivery slot costs between £2 and £4.
According to Waitrose, opting for the annual pass could lead to potential savings of up to £123 annually for customers currently paying £4 weekly for one delivery slot. Additionally, subscribers to the delivery pass will have early access to Christmas delivery slots starting in September.
Laura Burbedge, Director of Online at Waitrose, stated, “We are committed to enhancing our online platform to provide enhanced value and a superior customer experience. Following positive feedback from our trial phase, we anticipate significant demand nationwide as we expand the service.”
In contrast, Tesco offers a six-month anytime delivery pass at £7.99 per month (£47.94 total) or £6.99 per month (£83.88 total) for a 12-month subscription. An off-peak delivery pass, valid for deliveries after 3pm, costs £4.99 for six months or £3.99 for 12 months. For click and collect services, a six-month package is priced at £2.49 per month.
Sainsbury’s provides an anytime delivery pass at £7.50 per month, with options for a six-month subscription at £43 and a 12-month subscription at £80. Alternatively, customers can opt for a midweek pass at £4 per month or £40 for a year.
Recently, Waitrose reintroduced complimentary tea and coffee for loyalty cardholders, even without making a purchase. Additionally, the supermarket initiated a trial program allowing customers to borrow reusable cups for their free coffee, aiming to reduce plastic waste.
Customers participating in the cup borrowing scheme must return the cup within a week to a designated drop-off spot, or incur a £3 fee. To utilize the offer, shoppers only need to scan their MyWaitrose card.
Waitrose informed customers via email about the new initiative, emphasizing, “You can enjoy your free hot drink without any purchase required. Remember to bring your reusable cup!”
A Waitrose spokesperson remarked, “We have initiated a reusable cup trial in nine of our stores. It commenced this week and is accessible to MyWaitrose members redeeming their free coffee or cafe patrons purchasing a coffee.”
