Lidl’s Smartphone App-Exclusive Discounts Criticised for Disadvantaging Pensioners, Says Perth MP
Lidl’s decision to offer discounts and rewards exclusively through their smartphone app has been criticised by SNP MP for Perth and Kinross-shire, Pete Wishart. Many pensioners are reportedly missing out on these benefits due to not owning smartphones, prompting Wishart to call on Lidl to issue physical loyalty cards as an alternative.
According to Wishart, the lack of physical loyalty cards results in digital exclusion for pensioners without smartphones. He highlighted that approximately 3.3 million people in the UK aged 65 and over do not have access to smartphones, leading to concerns about pensioner poverty and the increasing food inflation impacting them.
Wishart pointed out that other supermarket chains like Tesco, Morrisons, the Co-op, and Waitrose offer loyalty schemes with physical cards for customers without smartphones to access discounts. One such pensioner affected by Lidl’s app-exclusive discounts is 77-year-old Mike Rogalski from Perth, who expressed his frustration at being unable to access the discounts.
In response, a Lidl spokesperson stated that the supermarket remains mindful of customers without smartphones and continues to offer in-store promotions through their Pick of the Week offers, while considering feedback for further improvements to the Lidl Plus scheme.
Wishart’s advocacy for physical loyalty cards for pensioners highlights the importance of inclusivity and accessibility, especially for older demographics who may not be tech-savvy. By addressing the digital divide and offering alternative ways to access discounts, supermarkets can ensure that all customers can benefit from loyalty programs regardless of their technological capabilities.