Tesco has launched a Clubcard for 16 and 17-year-olds, giving younger customers access to the loyalty scheme's lower prices for the first time. The change, announced earlier this week, allows teenagers to collect points that can be converted into vouchers for money off at the checkout.
Expert Calls It a 'Huge Win'
Which? retail editor Reena Sewraz described the expansion as a 'huge win' for young consumers. The consumer group had campaigned for the change for several years, citing that younger shoppers were excluded from cheaper grocery prices due to age restrictions on loyalty schemes.
“The expansion of Tesco Clubcard is a huge win for young consumers – it’s something we’ve campaigned for in recent years as the cost-of-living crisis has left many households struggling with the cost of the weekly shop,” Sewraz said. “As the UK’s biggest retailer, Tesco is sending an important message about supporting young people who may be hit hard by cost-of-living pressures – and other supermarkets that still have restrictions should follow suit.”
How the New Clubcard Works
The new digital Clubcard for 16-17s is only available through the Tesco app or website. To join, the teenager must be invited from the Clubcard account of a parent or guardian. Tesco said the easiest way is for a parent or guardian to click on the identity icon in the top corner of their Tesco app, access account settings, and select the 'invite to Clubcard' button. This sends a sign-up link to the teenager. The 'invite to Clubcard' button is only visible to Clubcard members using the latest version of the app.
Potential Barriers and Savings
While welcoming the move, Sewraz noted a potential barrier: “The requirement for a parent or guardian to unlock membership for their 16 to 17-year-old could be a barrier for young people who may be parents, carers, or guardians themselves.” She also cautioned that Clubcard prices are not always the cheapest on the market, but they still offer substantial savings compared with standard prices.
Tesco's Perspective
Tesco Group membership and loyalty director Shama Wilson said: “We are delighted to be giving younger customers access to Tesco Clubcard for the first time, and we have no doubt that it will prove popular with 16 and 17-year-olds, whether they are shopping in one of our 'big Tesco' or 'little Tesco' stores. From today, our new Clubcard for 16-17s members will not only be able to get Clubcard prices in-store, including our iconic Tesco lunchtime meal deal for just £3.85, but also collect points that they can turn into vouchers for money off their in-store shopping.”
Clubcard Reach and History
More than 24 million UK households are signed up to Tesco Clubcard, which has been running for over 30 years. According to Tesco, a Clubcard is used in more than 80 per cent of sales at the supermarket. The move follows criticism from consumer groups that younger customers were excluded from loyalty scheme benefits, and comes amid the ongoing cost-of-living crisis.
