Many pensioners are missing out on Lidl supermarket discounts because they don’t own a smartphone, a Perthshire MP said this week.
SNP MP for Perth and Kinross-shire, Pete Wishart, has written to the supermarket giant, who do not issue physical loyalty cards, to urge them to think again.
Certain Lidl discounts and rewards are only available by using the Lidl Plus loyalty app on a smartphone.
Mr Wishart’s intervention comes after being contacted constituents without smartphones who expressed frustration over missing, arguing it amounts to digital exclusion.
The MP highlighted that there are an estimated 3.3 million people aged 65 and over in the UK who do not have access to a smartphone and that pensioner poverty is on the rise, with food inflation in particular having risen sharply in recent years.
He also pointed to other supermarket giants, including Tesco, Morrisons, the Co-op and Waitrose, who have similar loyalty schemes but offer a physical card that enables customers without a smartphone to access discounts.
Perth pensioner, 77-year-old Mike Rogalski, who lives in Feus Road with his wife Edith, told the Perthshire Advertiser: “I’ve got a phone that can make and receive calls, but don’t have a smartphone.
“I wouldn’t use one, so paying for the phone or a contract isn’t value for money for me.
“I do feel it’s an age discrimination thing. I am missing out on discounts.
“I expect there are many people my age who do have smartphones and use them regularly, but equally there will be many who do not.
“I can’t understand why Lidl don’t have physical loyalty cards. Tesco and Morrisons do.
The former meter reader added: “I have changed my shopping habits. I used to go to Lidl in Perth, but I never shop in Lidl now because they don’t offer physical loyalty cards.”
Mr Wishart said: “Many of my constituents, particularly those who are elderly or vulnerable, are finding themselves missing out on discounts on a wide range of items at Lidl simply because they do not have access to a smartphone.
“There are an estimated 3.3 million people across the UK aged 65 and over who do not have access to a smartphone. It is simply not right for them to be excluded from these benefits, particularly with pensioner poverty on the rise and food inflation having skyrocketed in recent years.
“Most other major supermarkets offer a physical card that enables customers without a smartphone to access their loyalty discount schemes, and “I see no reason why Lidl cannot do the same.”
A Lidl spokesperson said: “We remain mindful of those who don’t have access to a smartphone or tablet and continue to offer in-store promotions through our Pick of the Week offers.
“Feedback is also important to us and is always taken into consideration as we continue to develop the [Lidl Plus] scheme.”