One Stop has been exam­ining the potential launch of a loyalty scheme into stores, sources close to the convenience chain have confirmed to Better Retailing.

The sources revealed the company had teased the scheme to franchisees at a recent conference, with a trial phase to be undertaken.

They added One Stop could be due to announce an official update in the coming weeks.

One source said: “It does tie-in with Tesco own la­bel because it’s going to be the same barcodes used. I think it will be based on points, where purchases add to your spend and redeem vouchers. Some­thing will happen. It’s inevitable.”

A One Stop site in Shrewsbury had hinted at the scheme becoming available to its customers. A post on its communi­ty social media page read: “Clubcard news coming very soon.”

Several sources close to the convenience chain confirmed One Stop had been discussing the introduction of a scheme into stores. One said developments would be revealed “soon”. However, others have claimed it is still early days.

One retailer, who asked not to be named, said: “There may be some sort of loyalty scheme looking to be worked. But no one knows what it looks like yet.

“Talks have been going on for years on us on wanting [a loy­alty scheme], but no one knows what it looks like, as One Stop is unsure if it will be beneficial.”

Potential One Stop loyalty scheme points to growing importance of customer reward services

Commenting on the move, Jisp director of marketing and commu­nications Alex Rimmer said: “What it points to is the growing importance of loyalty pricing and re­wards services in retail.

“More than 80% of UK consumers now use some kind of discount or loyalty rewards app.

“Consumer confidence is at a low and people are desperate to stretch their budgets further. Loyalty is becoming expected, not simply a ‘nice to have’.

“Those that don’t embrace the trend will be left behind. They’ll be seen as uncompetitive and out of step.”

The introduction would follow the trial of a Tesco Clubcard-style loyalty scheme introduced in Booker symbol stores earlier this year.

Participating retail­ers praised the scheme for generating additional footfall and loyalty into their stores.

Earlier this month, One Stop also announced its plans to phase out its current own-label product range and replace it with Tesco’s Core Own Brand range across its entire 1,000 store estate. The transition began last week. It will see Tesco Core Own Brand produced in phases, roll­ing into next year.

The symbol group has also recently partnered with Snappy Shopper to offer the home delivery service in 250 of its sites.

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