Waitrose brings again free espresso for all loyalty scheme members, no buy required

Waitrose has introduced the return of free espresso for all members of its MyWaitrose loyalty scheme, even when they don’t make a purchase order in-store. From 27 January, prospects can get pleasure from one complimentary sizzling drink a day, offered they convey a reusable cup.

The transfer reinstates a perk first launched in 2013, which grew to become an indicator of the grocery store’s loyalty providing. Nonetheless, the scheme’s phrases had been revised in 2017 to require an in-store buy, earlier than being scrapped altogether throughout the Covid pandemic.

A Waitrose spokesperson stated: “A few of our members wish to have their free espresso earlier than or throughout their store, somewhat than afterwards, so we’re simply providing a little bit of flexibility in response to buyer suggestions.”

The free espresso supply was vastly well-liked at its launch however proved divisive. Some loyal Waitrose customers criticised it for allegedly attracting “the unsuitable sort” of buyer to shops.

After being suspended within the early days of the pandemic, the supply was reintroduced step by step below Dame Sharon White, former chair of the John Lewis Partnership, which owns Waitrose. Her successor, Jason Tarry, who took over in September 2023 after three many years at Tesco, has now totally reinstated the unique coverage.

The scheme has beforehand confronted criticism from Labour politicians. In 2014, Andy Sawford, then shadow communities minister, urged MPs to oppose it, arguing it might hurt unbiased espresso outlets and additional erode the excessive avenue. David Cameron, prime minister on the time, dismissed such considerations, saying he didn’t see what there was to complain about.

Law enforcement officials stay the one different group eligible totally free Waitrose espresso and not using a buy. The grocery store started providing complimentary drinks to police final August as a part of an initiative to discourage shoplifting. Pete Nightingale, secretary of West Mercia Police Federation, stated on the time: “It is smart from a enterprise perspective as a result of any police presence is certain to have an effect – both as a reassurance for customers or a deterrent for shoplifters.”