M&S Valentine's Day Meal Deal Price Triggers Widespread Shopper Discontent
Marks and Spencer shoppers have expressed significant dissatisfaction with the price of the retailer's Valentine's Day meal deal, with numerous customers opting to take their business to competing supermarkets instead. The uproar centres on a £25 package that includes a starter, main course, side dish, dessert, and a drink, available until February 14.
Comparisons with Asda Highlight Value Concerns
While M&S is widely recognised as the UK's favourite supermarket according to Which?, its prices are typically higher than those of rivals. This has not prevented a vocal backlash against the Valentine's offering, with many shoppers asserting that Asda's alternative deal provides far superior value for money. The criticism extends beyond mere cost, encompassing complaints about an over-reliance on chocolate desserts and a perceived lack of variety.
Social media commentary has been particularly scathing. When the options were shared on the Newfoodsuk Facebook page, users swiftly condemned the price as excessive. One disgruntled individual remarked, "Why so many chocolate desserts? Not everyone is a fan of chocolate. One of the reasons I’ve chosen Asda this year." Another supporter of Asda noted, "Asda hands down is the best one, it’s half the price of M&S."
The Core of the Controversy: Price Versus Perceived Effort
The £25 price tag has left many customers astonished, given that the meal still requires preparation at home, despite the convenience of not needing to dine out. Some shoppers nostalgically recalled when similar deals cost just £10, expressing shock at the substantial price increase in recent years. A recurring theme in the criticism is that M&S should "take note" of how other supermarkets structure their promotions, with one commenter joking about the necessity of "two sides" to a meal.
However, not all feedback has been negative. A segment of customers views the deal as an "absolute steal," arguing that a comparable restaurant experience would cost at least £100. One enthusiastic purchaser shared, "We got ours this morning. There's a lovely choice and a bottle of Pinot!" Another praised M&S for "understanding the assignment" by providing a high-quality at-home dining option.
M&S Defends Its Premium Valentine's Offering
In response to the criticism, an M&S spokesperson highlighted an "overwhelmingly positive response" from customers. The spokesperson emphasised that the M&S Collection Valentine’s Dine In is not a standard meal but a specially curated menu for a romantic evening. Every item is drawn from the Collection range, featuring restaurant-quality food produced using small-batch methods and premium ingredients. For the first time, the deal includes a bottle of Crémant de Bordeaux.
The retailer asserts that at £12.50 per person for a multi-course meal with wine, the package represents excellent value, offering savings of up to £20 compared to purchasing the items individually. This defence underscores M&S's strategy of positioning itself in the premium segment of the market, where quality justifies a higher price point, even as it faces stiff competition from value-focused rivals like Asda.
