By: Nick Gambino
If you’ve been holding on to Whole Foods rewards points and digital coupons in the hopes to someday use them, we advise you to head over to your nearest store right away and use them up. Whole Foods just announced that they’ll be closing down their rewards/loyalty program.
The announcement came way of an e-mail from the Amazon-owned organic grocer, followed by a post on their website.
“Thanks for participating in our Rewards Pilot Program and Digital Coupons through our mobile app,” the site reads. “Starting May 2, 2018, we’re retiring the Rewards Pilot Program, Digital Coupons within our mobile app and website, as well as in-store loyalty programs such as Whole Body Benefits.”
After the chain’s acquisition by Amazon, changes like this were expected. It’s suggested in their FAQs that all perks and rewards will move under Amazon Prime. “Stay tuned for additional announcements for Amazon Prime members,” it reads.
Unfortunately, rewards won’t roll over to the new system, requiring them to be redeemed no later than May 1st. Whole Foods Market online accounts are being put to rest as well. Once it’s done, it’s done.
The integration with Prime has been a long time coming, Perks have already been enjoyed by members, like special discounts and grocery delivery via the Prime Now service. Those with Amazon Prime Rewards Visa cards have also enjoyed 5% percent back on any purchases in-store.
Amazon honcho Jeff Bezos hinted at the change in a recent letter sent out to shareholders. “We’ve also begun the technical work needed to recognize Prime members at the point of sale and look forward to offering more Prime benefits to Whole Foods shoppers once that work is completed,” he stated.
Members of the loyalty program have less than two weeks as of this writing to take advantage of any racked-up rewards. So if you’re one of them, act accordingly and take advantage of some money-saving deals by May 2nd.
And if you’re not one of the 100 million that already have a Prime membership, do yourself a favor and sign up. All indications suggest, if you shop at Whole Foods, it’ll pretty much pay for itself.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Nick Gambino is a regular script writer and tech beat reporter for NewsWatch. He lives in Northern Virginia with his wife and daughter.
