After more than a decade of helping New Zealanders save on their groceries, it's time to close a chapter in supermarket shopping.
On Sunday, the 26th of July, the loyalty programme will officially make way for Club+, New World, PAK’nSAVE and Four Square’s next generation rewards and benefits programme.
For many New Zealanders, Clubcard has been a familiar part of the weekly shop, helping families find value and earn rewards at New World.
First launched in the South Island in 2014, it arrived at a time when many shoppers still remembered collecting paper supermarket coupons. A little over a decade later, grocery rewards have gone from paper vouchers to personalised digital offers.
Chief Customer Officer for Foodstuffs, Deirdre Boyle, said shopping habits and customer expectations have changed significantly since Clubcard first launched.
"When Clubcard was introduced, smartphones were still becoming part of everyday life. Technology has changed enormously since then, and so have shoppers' expectations,” said Boyle.
“Clubcard has served New Zealanders incredibly well, but it’s important to us that the experience we provide continues to evolve.”
Boyle added that Club+ will offer the flexibility to deliver a more connected and personalised experience that rewards customers every time they shop across the co-operative’s family of brands.
Those who have not yet joined Club+ have been encouraged to make the switch before Clubcard officially closes on Sunday night to continue accessing member discounts and offers.
Existing Clubcard members who join Club+ will have any New World Dollars in their account automatically transferred to Club+ Dollars.
Clubcard members who do not join Club+ before Clubcard closes can still transfer their New World Dollars balance if they join later. Any remaining balance will expire 24 months after their last Clubcard transaction.
Foodstuffs will continue to support customers through the transition, including those without an email address or mobile phone, to ensure everyone who wants to can access the benefits of Club+.
"We'd like to thank every customer who has scanned a Clubcard, collected New World Dollars, and shopped with us over the years. Club+ builds on everything customers have valued about Clubcard, while giving us the flexibility to continue improving the programme in the years ahead," said Boyle.
Customers with a physical card can also give it a fitting farewell by dropping it into one of the Clubcard recycling bins available in New World and South Island PAK'nSAVE stores.
The cards will be recycled by saveBOARD, helping give old Clubcards a second life as building materials.
