Who wants to pay full price for something when you get some money off? Not me. But, waiting for sales (or those Black Friday deals) is often a risky game to play, as those pieces you have your heart set on might sell out and you’ll then miss out completely. The next best option? Signing up to brand memberships and loyalty programs.
From special prices and discounts to extra rewards and exclusive shopping access, lots of our favourite high street brands have memberships you can sign up to for free offers. Whether that’s introductory discounts or mood-lifting perks, any extra saving is welcome with the current cost of living mood.
It might feel as though these ‘points building’ concepts are a way for companies to make us spend, spend, spend, but, over time it can be surprising how quickly points grow, and it’s worth keeping in mind for your bigger purchases. That winter coat or wardrobe-elevating knitwear (that you might be prepared to spend a little more on at the beginning of a new season) is an investment that’ll also earn you lots of points to save up and spend when you really need them.
So, who offers what perks and which are the memberships worth signing up to? Here’s the lowdown:
H&M Members
How does it work:
With every pound you spend at H&M you are rewarded with one point (and 1p), with extra points for buying conscious clothing. Then for every 100p you collect, you’ll get a £3 bonus voucher.
Discounts:
The free H&M membership will give you the chance to unlock special member prices that are actually really good, especially from their Premium selection range.
To give you an example, this coat is £49.99, but £25 for members and you’ll save £19.99 on this knitted dress, this knitted jumper, and this cashmere hoodie.
Your introductory incentive is 10% off your first purchase and you’ll then get 25% off one item on your birthday.
Also, if you take in unwanted clothes, H&M will make sure they get re-worn, re-used or recycled and in return you’ll get a £5 digital voucher and 20 points.
Delivery:
H&M membership gives you free delivery when you spend £20 or more (after building 300 points).
Extra rewards:
You’ll be given pre-access to sale, event invitations, and bonus rewards with other brands – for example, 20% off Bloom & Wild ranges and discounts for tickets to London musicals.
Mango Likes you
How does it work:
Build up likes for your “Mango currency”, to claim back big discounts and rewards. With every £1 purchase you’ll get 10 likes (the equivalent of 5p), and then once you hit 200 likes you’ll get an extra £1. So to give you an idea, if you buy this coat for £119.99, you’ll get 1200 likes and £6 to spend off your next purchase.
Discounts:
You’ll automatically get 1000 likes on your birthday, so you can get £5 off something on your wish list.
Then, if you take your clothes to a ‘Second Chances’ container at a Mango store you’ll earn 200 likes, and simply checking in to stores and collecting your orders will also earn you likes.
Extra rewards:
If you don’t want to use your likes for saving money on a purchase, you can also exchange likes for Odeon cinema tickets, e-books on the Rakuten Kobo app, subscriptions to Deezer Premium, Daily Yoga sessions and charity donations, including Save The Children and the World Health Organization.
Asos Premier
How does it work:
If you’re an Asos fan you’ll no doubt have been tempted by Asos Premier that gives you unlimited Next-Day Delivery on orders of more than £10 and free standard delivery on everything else.
Delivery:
At £9.95 for 12 months, ASOS Premier pays for itself after just 2 orders with £5.95 delivery, so it’s a no brainer if you’re making a few orders from Asos a year.
Discounts:
With Asos Premier you’ll also get exclusive discounts, including 10% off on your birthday.
You’ll also get early access to sales so you can bag your favourite pieces before they sell out and look out for VIP discount codes throughout the year so you can shop up to 25% off.
AnthroPerks
How does it work:
Anthropologie treat their members to rewards, early access to sales and special birthday discounts.
Discounts:
On your birthday you’ll get a 15% discount code so get curating your wish list! You’ll also receive extra rewards throughout the year.
Extra rewards:
You’ll get early access to new collections and sales, as well as invites to members-only experiences, including their Sip and Shop events where there’s free drinks and a gift with any £100 purchase.
Sparks at M&S
How does it work:
A Sparks membership centers around a personalised rewarding experience, rather than a points-based system.
Discounts:
You’ll be given personalised offers and discounts based on your shopping habits, for example you might be given 20% off outerwear or jeans if you’re a loyal M&S denim shopper, as well as free treats in store.
Extra rewards:
M&S will donate 1p to your chosen charity every time you complete a transaction. You’ll also get the chance to win your shopping for free in store!
My John Lewis
How does it work:
John Lewis’s loyalty scheme is free to join and unlocks a range of different rewards and benefits (without being based on points).
Discounts:
As a new member, you’ll receive a £5 e-gift card after your first purchase (providing you spend £50 or more) and special rewards on your My John Lewis anniversary. This can include £5 off, or a free glass of prosecco, (or hot drink) and cake for two at their cafes. Discounts are then personalised to you and given out based on how often you shop, but will often be as much as 10% across their brands and fashion.
If you bring in empty beauty products and old clothes using BeautyCycle and FashionCycle, you can also save £5 on your next buys.
Extra rewards:
There’s also exclusive events you can attend, including beauty masterclasses and cooking workshops, and early access to new products and competitions.
North Face XPLR Pass
How does it work:
If you’re on the market for some North Face activewear and outerwear, then you’ve got to sign up to their XPLR Pass for lots of extra benefits.
Discounts:
You’ll instantly receive 10% off your first purchase over £100, and then a 20% discount code on your birthday.
Delivery:
You’ll automatically have free standard delivery on all your orders.
Extra rewards:
As well as early or exclusive access to products, you’ll be given the chance to participate in member-only contests and events, including athlete adventures with their community of skiers, snowboarders, ultra-runners and climbers.
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