Woolworths has reintroduced Qantas frequent flyer points to its loyalty program, just two months after scrapping the points-based system as part of its revamped Woolworths Rewards program.
Under the new three-year deal, Woolworths Rewards and Qantas Frequent Flyer members will be able to convert the supermarket’s newly introduced Woolworths Dollars, earned through buying orange ticket products, into Qantas Points.
Woolworths said it was currently working on the implementation of the Qantas Points option with the airline, with a full launch expected in the first half of 2016.
Between January 1, 2016 and the launch of the new option, customers who previously earned Qantas Points via Woolworths Rewards will receive regular bonus Qantas Points offers. Those with a Qantas Frequent Flyer-linked credit card will also continue to earn points each time they shop at Woolworths.
Woolworths’ food group MD, Brad Banducci, said its revamped Woolworths Rewards program was already seeing “encouraging results”since its launch, with strong member growth and increased scan rates at the checkout.
“This new agreement means our customers can choose from two great options. Those who prefer cash back can continue to use Woolworths Dollars to get money off their shopping, while avid points collectors will have the option to convert their Woolworths Dollars into Qantas Points at a very attractive rate and with no minimum spend,” Banducci said.
Woolworths announced changes to its rewards system in October, with it causing mixed reactions by customers on social media. Under the new program, Woolworths swapped points for cash. Customers could earn Woolworths Dollars in participating Woolworths and BWS stores by purchasing items marked with an orange ticket. When a customer’s Woolworths Dollar balance reached $10 that amount would then be deducted from their next purchase.
Woolworths says it is currently increasing the number of orange tickets in store on fresh and high demand products and implementing a Woolworths Dollars ‘top-up’ campaign.