Waitrose is offering free treat vouchers for shoppers as part of a major shake up off its myWaitrose loyalty scheme.

The "Little Treat" vouchers are being trialled in 18 stores and they unlock when a customer spends £50, £100 and £250. This means Waitrose shoppers can get up to three vouchers every month, with the count resetting to zero at the start of every month.

The vouchers either unlock free products or discounts off future supermarket shops. Waitrose has confirmed they won't be replacing other existing loyalty scheme benefits, such as free hot drinks, 20% off selected service counter products on select days and offers on Uber Eats.

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Nathan Ansell, chief customer officer for Waitrose, said: “We’re continually investing in and evolving our My Waitrose loyalty club for the benefit of our members.

“‘Little Treats’ is a way to regularly remind our growing number of loyal customers just how much we value them. It could be something delicious, something useful or something that makes them smile.

“Over the course of a year they could receive many treats and I hope each one reminds them that being a My Waitrose member means they’re part of a special club of food lovers.”

It comes after Waitrose started allowing customers to borrow a reusable coffee cup when claiming their free drink. Customers have a week to return the cup to a specific drop-off point or face a £3 charge.

It was revealed in June that this was being tested in nine stores. To take advantage of the "Borrow a Free Cup" scheme, shoppers simply need to scan their MyWaitrose card.

You can still choose to bring your own cup if you prefer, provided it fits under the self-service machine nozzle. In January last year,Waitrose brought back free tea and coffee for customers signed up to its loyalty card, even if they do not buy anything from the supermarket.

The company emailed customers to inform them of the change, saying: “You’ll be able to get your free hot drink without buying anything in store first. Don’t forget your reusable cup!”

Previously, the upmarket grocer requires myWaitrose members to buy something before they can claim their free drink. Back in June, Waitrose revealed plans to open its first full-size supermarket for seven years.

Parent group the John Lewis Partnership said it has agreed a multi-million-pound deal to expand the supermarket arm further. The new store is expected to open in Brabazon, a new town in North Bristol, in 2027.

The 30,000 square foot store, which is being developed in partnership with YTL Developments, is set to create around 150 jobs.