Best Loyalty Programs in Slovenia: Save on Your Grocery Shopping
Buying groceries and household essentials is an unavoidable and very tangible budget item. Therefore, finding ways to save money is a very relevant topic for many people. One quite effective option is the use of loyalty programmes.
According to surveys, about 40-50% of consumers actively use loyalty cards, and in large cities this figure is even higher.
The main audience of loyalty programmes
If we talk about who benefits most from loyalty cards, then first of all it is families with children. They make frequent and large purchases, which means that accumulation of points and discounts on large amounts becomes a tangible financial support.
No less important are such programmes for pensioners, who are especially attentive to prices and try to save on everyday spending. Many chains, such as Mercator, offer pensioners additional discounts on basic products, which makes the use of cards particularly favourable.
Regular customers of specific shops also actively use loyalty programmes. If a customer chooses one retail chain, he can count on exclusive offers, such as double points on certain days or special promotions for club members.
But young people in general are less active in traditional programmes, but engage through digital tools - mobile apps, instant cashback and personalised discounts available online.
What do popular retailers offer?
Large chains like Mercator, Lidl, Spat and Tuš are actively developing offers for loyal customers. Due to competition, shops and shopping malls try to stand out from the rest by offering exclusive options.
Pika card: more favourable and flexible shopping at Mercator
The Mercator card of loyalty program is an entire ecosystem that turns an ordinary shopping experience into a smart savings strategy. Unlike many programmes, Pika doesn't try to cram all customers into the same framework, but offers four card options to suit the customer's lifestyle, budget and even mood.
For example, the temporary card is suitable for those who pop into the shop only occasionally, for example, to buy a gift or food for a picnic. The basic blue card is a classic for the frugal: save points, exchange them for discounts and get personalised offers. The green and gold cards are for those who shop at Mercator on a regular basis. Installments for large purchases, deferred payment, birthday discounts and unique monthly promotions - these options turn the card into a financial assistant. For example, the gold card lets you not worry about urgent spending, and the green card lets you plan your budget without stress.
How it works?
For every €1-1.99 spent at all Pika-labelled outlets, you get 1 point. The accumulated amount can be used to pay for goods or participate in promotions with discounts in the ratio of 600 points - 20 euros, 1200 points - 40 euros and so on.
The main secret of Pika is its personalisation. Through the Mercator mobile application, members receive exclusive offers, additional opportunities to accumulate points, as well as the ability to activate coupons, track purchase history, browse catalogues and receive additional long-term benefits when purchasing their favourite products as part of the ‘Moja Izbira’ campaign.
Special privileges for pensioners
Only those who have the official status of a pensioner can become members of the Senior Citizens' Club. They receive a 10% discount on purchases of 20 euros or more in the chain's grocery shops, but it should be noted that this offer has a number of restrictions, which can be found on the website.
For whom is it suitable?
First of all, the programme will appeal to those who use a variety of services, especially for families, because their costs are multiplied several times. Regular customers have the opportunity to upgrade their status to gold card holders, which will open access to exclusive VIP conditions. And for technology lovers, Moj M will be a pleasant discovery thanks to its intuitive ease of use and transparency.
Tuš club card: traditional loyalty with modern bonuses
The Tuš club loyalty programme stands out for its versatility. There is a traditional plastic card and printed discount coupons that come by mail, as well as a modern mobile application with a lot of options and the ability to view the Tuš catalog.
In addition, membership in the club gives you access to exclusive opportunities with programme partners in the most popular categories: wellness and care, beauty and health, sports, short trips, cultural events, educational courses and much more.
How it works?
Membership in the club allows customers to earn points for purchases in Tuš shops. Every amount spent increases your balance, and when you have enough points, you can redeem them for a discount directly at the checkout by presenting your Tuš klub card.
In turn, the Tuš mobile application complements the programme's features: here you can track and manage your current balance of D*NAR - the equivalent of the card's nominal value in euros, which is awarded for certain purchases in Tuš Group. In addition, the application gives access to promotional coupons, participation in competitions with prizes, and allows you to save up to 10 frequently purchased products to your ‘favourites’ for quick access to their prices and promotions.
A special feature of Tuš is the Diners Club Tuš IN card. It combines two instruments: a limit for large purchases, such as a refrigerator or TV set on instalments without overpayment, and a limit for everyday spending - groceries, household chemicals, clothes. This helps you to plan your budget without stress: you know exactly how much you can spend right now and how much you can put aside for important purchases.
Special privileges for seniors
Senior Tuš Club - the programme is adapted to the needs of pensioners: special prices on basic products, exclusive promotions on medicines. These are not just discounts, but care for this audience.
Options for families
Tuš družina Club helps families with children to save money on goods for children all year round, which significantly helps to save the family budget. Membership gives access to a free brochure with discount coupons both within the network and at partners.
For whom is it suitable?
Tuš klub is designed for those who prefer simplicity and practicality. All you need is a card and coupons to enjoy the benefits. The versatility of the programme will please those who want to save points in various places - from pharmacies and cafes to travel agencies.
Lidl plus card: digital loyalty for those who love smart savings
Lidl Plus is not just a loyalty programme, but a real digital assistant that turns every trip to the shop into a game with real prizes. Unlike classic reward systems, there are no plastic cards or paper coupons. All you need is a smartphone.
How it works?
The programme is fully integrated into the Lidl Plus mobile app. Every week, the app publishes a new Lidl catalog and throws you personalised coupons. Algorithms analyse your purchases and guess what you'll like. The discount can be activated immediately or on any day during the offer. There are also raffles, sweepstakes and prize campaigns, especially around the holidays. To take advantage of all this, it is enough to scan a QR code at the checkout.
In addition to discounts directly in the chain shops, you can take advantage of discounts from partners in the sphere of sports, medical services, tourism and even save money on parking and car washing.
For whom is it suitable?
The service is aimed at users who prefer the digital format: coupons, notifications and promotions are managed via smartphone, without paper media. And the key feature of the app is its personalised approach: discounts are automatically selected based on your regular purchases, turning routine into profit.
Spar Plus: family benefit in every cheque
The Spar Plus loyalty programme is not just a way to save money, but a whole set of features that are often reported in Interspar catalog and Spar catalog. Points accumulate faster, discounts are more personalised and every family member is another benefit generator.
How it works?
Customers receive a certain number of points for each purchase. And if you connect additional barcodes for the family to the card, the points accumulate faster. By the end of the month, the family collects enough points to get back part of the budget for the next purchase.
Before the holidays, club members get extra benefits in the form of discounts, gifts and themed specials.
If you're the kind of person who orders groceries at home, the card will be a digital assistant. Points accumulated in the shop can be spent in Spar Online, and special coupons for delivery make the virtual basket cheaper by 10-15%. No complicated transfers of points - everything works automatically.
For whom is it suitable?
The programme is ideal for those who want to combine savings with convenience. Families with children will appreciate a wide range of discounts. Theme days will please those who like to eat delicious and varied meals. And online shoppers will get a double benefit: the comfort of home delivery and accumulation of points for each purchase. Students and pensioners can take advantage of special offers that take into account their financial possibilities. A special advantage for large families will be additional barcodes linked to a common card, which makes it easier to share the programme without losing individual benefits.
E.Leclerc: universal loyalty for those who like variety
The E.Leclerc chain, known in many countries for its approach to smart shopping, in Slovenia offers a loyalty programme that goes beyond the usual accumulation of points.
How it works?
The E Leclerc si card gives access to participation in promotions, special offers and discounts that are available both in the chain's shops and catalogues. Cardholders also receive bonus vouchers valid for up to 14 months, allowing them to maximise the use of their accumulated benefits. It's easy to become part of the loyalty programme: just fill in the application form and pick up the card at your nearest E Leclerc shop. Alternatively, you can use the mobile app, which replaces the physical card, stores your purchase history and automatically reminds you of upcoming promotions. For example, if you often buy coffee, the app will offer a personal coupon for it - no need to leaf through catalogues or look for promo codes.
For whom is it suitable?
The E Leclerc programme is suitable for those who value convenience and long-term benefits: regular shoppers who want to save money through promotions and discounts, users who prefer digital solutions, and those who plan purchases in advance using bonus vouchers that work even after a year.
Commonalities: why are all programmes similar?
Digitalisation is a major trend among many retailers. It's convenient: you don't have to carry a physical card, and coupons and promotions are always at your fingertips. For example, Lidl Plus is fully digital - discounts are activated in a couple of clicks.
Programme members get access to special prices that are not available to regular shoppers. Mercator keeps cardholders happy with seasonal discounts, while Tus sends out personalised coupons for popular products.
Ease of registration also unites major retailers. Cards are free, and often only a phone number and email are required to sign up, which attracts even sceptics.
Differences: what makes each programme unique?
The first difference is the approach to reward accrual. Each company has a different value of points, as well as the specifics of converting them into benefits.
The presence of a partner network and, as a consequence, a greater range of discounts and benefits. For example, Tuš, Mercator and Lidl go beyond grocery retail. Their programmes are integrated with all kinds of service providers, allowing you to save money on a trip or a gym membership just by buying groceries.
There are also discounters that favour rewards over low prices. For example, Hofer and Eurospin do not offer loyalty programmes at all, and the promotions and benefits that are announced in advance in the Hofer catalog and Eurospin catalog are available to all customers. Hofer action and similar programmes are suitable for those who appreciate minimalism and do not want to understand the principles of accumulation and conversion of points and other nuances without overpaying.
How to choose the best loyalty programmes?
If you like multifunctionality, take a look at Mercator or Tuš. Their points and affiliate services will give you maximum opportunities. For fans of digitalisation and instant discounts, Lidl and Spar are ideal. And if you prefer ‘clean’ low prices - Hofer and Eurospin are always at your service.
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