A HIGH street fashion chain has axed a popular perk for shoppers.
H&M is making the change as part of a wider shake up of its loyalty scheme.
The high street favourite is following in the steps of other major retailers by offering exclusive lower prices for members from next month.
H&M‘s special birthday offer for members is being scrapped from March 17.
The move is likely to disappoint loyal customers who currently get a generous 25% off an item each year on their birthday.
Currently new members also receive a 10% discount when signing up to the scheme but this offer will be cut too.
The annual discount and new member deal will instead be replaced with “exclusive” prices, as well as event invites.
Loyalty members will continue to have pre-access to sales.
A spokesperson told The Sun: “H&M is evolving its membership program to stay relevant for customers and deliver more exclusive benefits throughout the year.
“The current birthday offer will be phased out, making way for rewards such as member prices, pre-access to sales and exclusive event invitations.
“This applies to the welcome offer as well. We are making these changes with the aim of continually enhancing the H&M Membership experience and ensuring our community feels rewarded year-round.”
The changes comes after the chain increased fees for online returns earlier this month.
[bc_video account_id=”5067014667001″ application_id=”” aspect_ratio=”16:9″ autoplay=”” caption=”‘The pattern’s very unfortunate’ H&M customers spot design blunder on new crockery range as plates look like their covered in poo” embed=”in-page” experience_id=”” height=”100%” language_detection=”” max_height=”360px” max_width=”640px” min_width=”0px” mute=”” padding_top=”56%” picture_in_picture=”” player_id=”default” playlist_id=”” playsinline=”” sizing=”responsive” video_id=”6362936713112″ video_ids=”” width=”640px”]Customers now have to pay £2.95 to send back a parcel ordered online up from £1.99 previously.
Members of the loyalty scheme now also have to pay the charge whereas previously they did not.
[authenticated-scripts src=”%3Cscript%20class%3D%22palin-poll%22%20src%3D%22https%3A%2F%2Fwww.thesun.co.uk%2Fpollingwidgets%2Fv3%2Fwidget.js%3Fquestion_id%3D107909%26game%3Dpolling%22%3E%3C%2Fscript%3E” type=”embedded” width=”100″ /]The returns fee was introduced in September 2023, following the likes of Zara, Boohoo and Next.
Member pricing
H&M’s benefits scheme will give members access to lower prices than those who are not a part of the scheme.
[boxout headline=”H&M loyalty scheme explained”]Fashion chain H&M rewards members with points each time they shop.
After earning 100 points, you will earn £3 bonus vouchers.
Shoppers can also earn points for other activities such as bringing your own bag.
Here’s how much you can earn:
- 1 point for every £1 spent
- 20 points for completing your profile
- 20 points for garment collecting in-store
- 3 points for bringing your own bag
Members can also benefits from exclusive discounts across all goods, as well as early access to sale.
There’s also free delivery on orders over £30.
You can sign up as a member online or by downloading the store’s app.
Member-only pricing has become more widespread among retailers in recent years.
Special discounts for members means you be left out of pocket if you don’t sign up for membership – forcing the hand of shoppers who would prefer not to give their personal details to big companies.
Membership schemes create invaluable data on the shopping habits of their customers so it makes sense that companies are keen to sign up as many shoppers as possible.
Many of the big supermarkets including Lidl, Tesco, Sainsbury’s and Morrisons offer discounted prices especially for members.
But H&M is among one of the first fashion chains to introduce special lower prices for members.
However, a number of chains offer loyalty schemes that can help you save.
For example, River Island offers 10% discount to new members and discounts year-round.
And members of Marks and Spencer loyalty scheme Sparks are also offered special discounts and freebies.