Disgruntled shoppers have hit out at Boots after big changes were announced to two of its most popular loyalty schemes.
The high-street pharmacy chain has confirmed plans to cut the value of its Parenting Club and Over 60s schemes by 20 per cent, much to the disdain of its loyal customer base.
People who are signed up to the free points-saving schemes are currently awarded ten points (worth 1p each) for every £1 spent on certain Boots products.
However, under new plans, which are set to come into play on 16 March, shoppers will only earn eight points for every £1 spent, the Manchester Evening News reports.
Customers with normal advantage cards currently receive 4 points for every £1 spent on particular products, though this is set to remain the same and will not be affected by the 20 pc cut.
The changes were first announced by Boots in an email to customers, which read: "We're changing the points you get in Parenting Club, from 10 points per £1 you spend in Baby, to 8 points.
"However, that's still 4 more points than the standard Advantage Card reward of 4 points per £1. And, as this change isn't due until 16th March, you can still make the most of 10 points for every £1 on Baby for the next 2 months.
"Plus, we recently extended the age range from 3-5 years - so you get to enjoy two more years of 8 points!"
After receiving the emails, shoppers took to social media to vent their frustrations.
Posting on Twitter, one frustrated consumer said: "So even Boots are taking from pensioners now! Boots Over 60's Rewards are going down from 10 in every £1, to 8! But still lots of pics of smiling oldies in the ad."
Responding to the Tweet, Boots' official account said: "Hi Cate, The Boots Advantage Card remains one of the most generous loyalty schemes in the UK, with members earning 4 points for every £1 spent. Each point is worth 1p. We are making changes to our clubs to invest in what we offer our members and will continue to give them great value on the products we know they will love."
Another annoyed shopper said: " @BootsUK interesting to see you’re changing your parenting club points by making the offering WORSE for customers. Why take things away from customers? That’s not going to help business is it?!"
A third wrote: "Just received email from @BootsUK - #Advantage Card scheme will no longer give the over 60's 10 points per £ spent, but reduce it to 8 points per £ spent. Another company reducing the benefits for the over 60's/retired community."
Somebody else vented: " @BootsUK announce a 20% reduction in rewards for their over 60’s customers. Other chemists & pharmacies are available..."
Boots has been approached for comment.
