Co-op Unveils New Member Price Perks To Compete with Tesco and Sainsbury’s
- Co-op introduces online member prices, enhancing savings on daily essentials.
- The scheme, available now, extends loyalty benefits previously exclusive to in-store purchases.
- Over 300 products included, with Co-op aiming to grow its membership from 5 million to 8 million by 2030.
In a strategic move aimed at leveling the playing field with supermarket giants Tesco and Sainsbury’s, Co-op has announced a significant shift in its online shopping platform. Starting today, Co-op is extending its member price benefits to online shoppers, a perk that was previously exclusive to those visiting their brick-and-mortar stores. This pivotal change means that Co-op members can now enjoy discounts on over 300 essential products through the supermarket’s website and app, as well as on UberEats.
Daniel Coles at The Sun, shared that this initiative is a part of Co-op’s broader strategy to enhance value for its members. Historically, online shoppers had to pay full price for their goods, missing out on the savings offered to in-store customers. The introduction of online member prices is poised to bridge this gap, making everyday shopping more affordable for a larger segment of the population.
A spokesperson for Co-op highlighted the importance of membership, stating, “Being a Co-op member-owner is more than just having a loyalty card; it's about directly benefiting from and having a say in the business.” This move aligns with the cooperative's ethos of mutual benefit and collective decision-making. In addition to discounted prices, membership includes weekly personalized offers, gamification, and exclusive access to pre-sale tickets for events at Co-op Live.
Chris Conway, Co-op’s eCommerce Director, emphasized the cooperative’s commitment to innovation and value creation for its members. By expanding the member price benefits to its online channels, Co-op is reinforcing its position as a community-centric retailer, focused on delivering savings on a wide range of everyday essentials.
The supermarket is clearly positioning itself as a formidable competitor to Sainsbury’s and Tesco, both of which have their loyalty schemes, the Nectar card, and Clubcard, respectively. With the highest influx of new members in eight years, Co-op is on a mission to increase its membership from the current 5 million to 8 million by 2030, underscoring its commitment to delivering exceptional value to its member-owners.
The introduction of online member prices is not just a win for Co-op’s existing members but also serves as an invitation for more shoppers to join the cooperative. As households continue to navigate the challenges of rising living costs, such initiatives offer a much-needed respite, making quality groceries more accessible and affordable.
Tom Church, Co-Founder of LatestDeals.co.uk, commented, "Co-op's expansion of member prices to its online shopping platform is a smart move that not only enhances the value for its members but also intensifies the competition among UK supermarkets. It’s a win-win for consumers, providing more options to save on groceries, especially in these times when every penny counts. This initiative reflects Co-op’s commitment to its community, offering more than just savings by involving members in the very fabric of the business."
Interesting theory about competing head on with supermarkets. Coop is mainly a convenience store chain and prices are typically higher than major supermarkets and even some competitors like Tesco Express I would say. Coop is my nearest store, about a 5 minute walk from my home so do use it but I tend to go there when I know there are short life reductions maybe between 5 and 7pm so I can get some good value items. I've seen the option to buy small orders online but they are hideously expensive and would never do it.
The Co-op by me is only a small store, like most and people only pop in for meal deals and yellow labels, as nearly everything is so expensive! Be good if they're going to reduce prices to compete though
richhardwick I don't see how they can they don't have the footfall of larger stores so there are always more costs with convenience stores. I do like the range and staff at my local Coop, it's a good experience to shop there but it cannot match the value of larger stores. However bear in mind if you get in your car and drive to a supermarket that in itself has cost you extra in petrol and wear and tear on the car. You probably should allow £2-3 just for going to a supermarket and coming back. So that has to be factored into your costs. I walk to my Coop.