Free shop at M&S for one shopper per store per week with new Sparks card

Marks & Spencer is relaunching its Sparks loyalty scheme next week, meaning that card holders can continue to donate to charity, while one lucky person per store will get a free shop.

The fabulous grocer (love getting special food from there) will offer instant rewards during shopping, such as bags of Percy Pigs or Apothecary Candles, with at least one customer per store a week gifted a free shop at the checkout.

The Sparks scheme, which was first launched back in 2015, differs to other supermarkets’ loyalty schemes in that shoppers collect points to get advance access to sales and invites to events, rather than vouchers or discounts offered by Tesco’s Clubcard scheme or Sainsbury’s Nectar card.

When the new scheme is launched, customers with existing points will lose their points in exchange for a ‘special thank you gift’ for using the card.

The new Sparks card scheme will be hosted through the M&S app, meaning every time shoppers buy in store they have the chance of receiving an instant reward, tailored to their shopping preferences.

Physical cards are also available, but M&S say the best experience is through the app.

 Jeremy Pee, chief digital and data officer at M&S, said: ‘Sparks is a vital part of how we communicate with over seven million of our most engaged M&S shoppers, and we have designed this relaunch around them.

‘With a digital first approach, it’s simpler and easier to use but also builds our relationship with customers through a more personalised experience.’

Shoppers will also be able to donate 1p to their chosen charity every time they shop, which they pick when they sign up to the app.

New options for shoppers to select include The Black Curriculum, Mind and People’s Dispensary for Sick Animals (PDSA).