The region’s largest retailer, the East of England Co-op, has launched a new ‘member perks’ package, offering exclusive money-saving offers to its 270,000 members.
From money-off local attractions, to discounts on eating out, and partnerships with a host of other local and national businesses, the member perks will be updated throughout the year so members can always take advantage of new offers.
Current offers include 50% off admission to Banham Zoo and Africa Alive, 10% off in store at The Original Factory Shop and £5 off pizza at DOUGH&Co restaurants. Members can also benefit from 10% off Wherstead Park events such as weddings and conferences, discounted magazine subscriptions, money-off bicycle servicing and offers on gym memberships.
Commenting on the launch of its member perks, East of England Co-op Joint Chief Executive Niall O’Keeffe, said: “Our members are also our shareholders; they are central to our business and we simply could not exist without them. That is why we have launched these perks in conjunction with our partners. There are already lots of benefits to being an East of England Co-op member and these new offers will reward our members even further and help them to enjoy fun days out for less. Better still, the partnerships we are building will help support local businesses and attractions following a difficult few years.”
“We will be expanding our member perks across the region so members can expect a continuous stream of discounts from a range of brands they know and love. We’re also keen to hear from our members about the types of offers they’d like to see, so if you’ve got a suggestion please do get in touch and let us know.”
Banham Zoo and Africa Alive are two of the region’s most popular destinations for family days out, offering visitors the chance to see thousands of animals from all over the world, including rare and endangered species. Particularly popular with families at the moment are Banham Zoo’s two tiger cubs, and Africa Alive’s southern white rhino calf. Both attractions are run by the charity the Zoological Society of East Anglia (ZSEA), which works towards sustainable tourism through conservation, education and community involvement.
Claudia Roberts, CEO at the Zoological Society of East Anglia, said of their involvement in the Co-op’s member perks scheme: “We are delighted to be partnering with the East of England Co-op to offer discounts to Co-op members who visit our parks. Our passion is to help people in our community benefit from connections with animals and nature and this ties in very well with the East of England Co-op’s mission to support communities.”
The new perks will run alongside the East of England Co-op’s existing member offers. These include exclusive in-store discounts and earning ‘divi’, where customers can collect points as they shop which are converted into dividend vouchers – these can be spent in-store, donated or withdrawn into cash. Dividend points can be collected across the East of England Co-op portfolio, including food stores, travel shops, funeral branches and petrol filling stations. Co-op membership is one of the longest running loyalty schemes, first set-up in the mid-1800s.
Last year, the retailer partnered with the digital loyalty card app, Stocard, to allow its community of members to store their membership cards on their phone. When shoppers download their membership card, they can also enter into a draw to win their shop every month.
For more information on the East of England Co-op’s new member perks, or for more details on how to become a member, visit www.eastofengland.coop. If you would like to suggest a local business or attraction that would like to partner with the East of England Co-op, email membersupport@eastofengland.coop or call 0800 389 5354.