Shoppers are being warned that some major new changes to the Tesco Clubcard scheme are officially taking effect from today.
Loyalty schemes are pretty much commonplace in UK supermarkets nowadays, with the Tesco Clubcard being by far one of the most popular – but today, after weeks of reminders, the supermarket has introduced a significant new change that’s set to affect the more than 20 million people signed-up nationwide.
The supermarket chain already closed its separate Tesco Pay+ app on Monday 27 February, but from today (18 April), shoppers will no longer be able to use their Clubcard app and will need to download the new ‘Tesco Grocery and Clubcard’ app to continue earning points.
So how does it work then? And what exactly is changing?
Well, the new app is essentially replacing the two older apps, and looks set to combine the features of both into one place to make it easier for shoppers to use.
ADVERTISEMENT
Major new changes to Tesco Clubcards take effect from today / Credit: Ben Stevens / Parsons Media (via Tesco plc)
Appearing to work in relatively the same way as the old Clubcard app, the new ‘Tesco Grocery and Clubcard’ allows shoppers to pay, view their points balance, spend Clubcard vouchers, order deliveries and check stock in stores all in one, according to Tesco.
Customers can also use their physical Clubcard to earn points.
ADVERTISEMENT
A Tesco spokesperson told consumer group Which? that the new app will be “the easiest way” to get the most out of what Clubcard has to offer.
“With the combined power of Clubcard Prices, coupons, vouchers, alongside our reward partner codes, Clubcard is the best way to get value at Tesco, and our Grocery and Clubcard app is the easiest way to make the most of all your Clubcard has to offer,” the spokesperson explained.
They also crucially added that shoppers won’t lose any points, vouchers, or coupons during the switchover, as these will still be available in the new app or via your online account.
ADVERTISEMENT
Shoppers will no longer be able to use their Clubcard app and will need to download a new one / Credit: Tesco plc
This isn’t the only Clubcard change Tesco shoppers need to be aware of in the coming months either.
The supermarket has already announced that, from 14 June, it will reduce the value of Clubcard vouchers – which customers can currently exchange and triple their value to save more, or use with rewards partners such as Zizzi and Pizza Express.
But when the new change comes into force, customers only can double the value when they redeem at any of Tesco’s 100 rewards partners.
Hello Oriental opens new ‘seriously affordable’ Asian food hall at the Trafford Centre
Emily Sergeant
Manchester gem Hello Oriental is finally opening its new Asian food hall at the Trafford Centre this weekend.
The renowned East Asian street food hub has already taken Manchester city centre by storm since opening its original venue at Circle Square, just off Oxford Road, back in February 2022, and been has receiving rave reviews ever since – with critics notably calling the experience “a lot of fun” and “seriously affordable”.
But now, the Manchester-founded brand has chosen the Trafford Centre as the first UK shopping centre location to bring its trademark street food dining concept to.
There’ll be more than 100 delicious dishes for customers to choose from when the new site opens in the Upper Orient this Saturday.
Hello Oriental has opened a new Asian food hall at the Trafford Centre / Credit: The Manc Group
Hello Oriental owners and childhood best friends, Ricky Yip and Azim Kourah, say they have selected some of the most popular dishes from the Manchester city centre site’s extensive menu for the new Trafford Centre restaurant.
This means diners at the Trafford Centre can enjoy traditional dishes from across East Asia – including a wide range of Dim Sum, hearty main dishes like Taiwanese pork belly with rice, traditional favourites like beef Ho fun, and loads of different Cantonese roast meats.
There’ll also be a wide selection of street food available, like Korean fried chicken, loaded katsu chicken fries, and three varieties of sticky chicken wings.
There’s also plenty for the little Mancs to tuck into too, as there’ll be a full kid’s menu available at the new Trafford Centre site, with options for both those with “adventurous” junior palates, to those who prefer “more familiar” tastes.
“We’re so excited to open in the Trafford Centre and give shoppers the chance to try our dishes from across East Asia,” commented co-owner, Ricky Yip, ahead of the new opening.
“Many of the dishes on the menu were enjoyed by Azim and I growing up, cooked by my family, or served in family restaurants, and it’s wonderful to see other families come to Hello Oriental to enjoy these flavours.”
Hello Oriental will be opening at the Trafford Centre this Saturday (1 February), with thousands of prizes to give away to celebrate Lunar New Year.
Featured Image – The Manc Group
Shopping
A coffee shop in Manchester is giving away hundreds of FREE croissants today
Emily Sergeant
Hundreds of croissants are being handed out for free today from a coffee shop in Manchester for a special reason.
In case you didn’t know, today (Thursday 30 January) is National Croissant Day, and apparently, Manchester is a city of serious pastry lovers, as the Cross Street branch of national coffee shop chain, Pret A Manger, is actually the top-selling Pret pastry shop in the whole of the UK – with the Chocolate Croissant, in particular, reigning supreme as the customer favourite.
Pret customers are said to devour around 17 million pastries a year, with the humble croissant being the most popular pick.
So, to celebrate Manchester’s love of sweet flaky pastries, and to mark National Croissant Day itself, Pret will be handing out a whopping 300 croissants for completely free of charge from its store on Cross Street, in the heart of the city centre.
A coffee shop in Manchester is giving away hundreds of free croissants today / Credit: PICRYL
You can claim one of the 300 free croissants with any coffee purchase today, but it’s only while stocks last, so you’ll need to be quick.
There’s three different croissants to choose from – the All Butter, Chocolate, or Almond Croissant.
“At Pret, we pride ourselves on serving our customers pastries freshly baked that same day,” commented Anna Tebbs, who is the UK Head of Food at Pret, ahead of the big giveaway.
“With around 17 million pastries sold each year, it’s clear our customers can’t get enough of these flaky favourites, so we’re thrilled to celebrate National Croissant Day by giving back to croissant fans with a special treat.
They’re only available for one day from Pret on Cross Street / Credit: Supplied
“Whether it’s a classic All Butter or a rich Croissant Almond, there’s a pastry for every taste, and a day like this is all about enjoying them to the fullest.”
To get your hands on a buttery flaky croissant to start your day, all you’ll need to do is visit the Cross Street Pret shop today, the earlier the better to be sure there’s still some left, and order any barista-made coffee drink, then you’ll get to pick which type of croissant you’d like to take away with you.
Emily Sergeant -
18th April 2023 
