Walkers is to axe its Counts for More reward scheme, with store owners given less than one month to redeem any points accrued.

Messages sent to participating stores warn that the website and rewards programme will shut down on 31 July 2020, and will be replaced by app-based rewards platform Shopt. Following the shut down date, any points collected and not redeemed will be lost. However, vouchers issued in July will remain spendable for 12 months.

Walkers is also changing its voucher policy to help retailers avoid losing their accrued awards. “Our Counts For More points balance will be rounded up to the nearest 100 points. So, for example, 250 points will be rounded up to 300 points and 1250 points to 1300 points. We have also created a £1 voucher to make redemption easier,” read a statement by the snack manufacturer.

An exact launch date for the new Shopt scheme is yet to be announced, and Counts for More participants will not be automatically transferred to the new rewards scheme. The crisp firm confirmed to Better Retailing that its rep team would not be affected by the move.

Walkers also revealed further upcoming rewards changes for retailers that receive deliveries from its van sales team. A spokesperson for the company said:  “You’ll be able to earn simple rewards that you can use to redeem against your van delivery in the coming months. We will keep you informed of timings and how it will work as soon as possible.”