Marks & Spencer has become a go-to place for much more than just the weekly food shop in recent years – with everything from fashion and homeware to beauty favourites (and even bestselling perfumes and viral cookies) drawing in shoppers.
Now, M&S has made big changes to its Sparks loyalty scheme – and if you shop there regularly, it could mean more chances to save money. The updated system works a little differently to the previous Sparks card system, with personalised offers, a digital rewards wallet, and new “spend and earn” deals that give shoppers money back when they meet certain spending targets.
But how does it all work, and what do you need to do to make sure you don’t miss out?
What are the changes to the M&S Sparks app?
To take part, customers must activate offers in the M&S app before they shop. Once activated, they can earn money-off vouchers when they reach a set spending amount.
Examples of offers include:
Spend £35 on food, get £5 back
Spend £35 on food, get £4 back
Spend £8 on fresh berries, get £1 back
Spend £15 on kids’ shoes, get £3 back
Spend £12 on kitchen items, get £2 back
Offers vary from person to person and are updated regularly, so customers may see different deals each week.
How the Sparks wallet works
M&S has also introduced a digital Sparks wallet.
This is where your rewards are stored once you’ve earned them. The money can then be spent in-store or online on anything at M&S, from food and clothing to homeware and beauty products.
Vouchers are usually valid for up to 12 months and are applied automatically when you scan your Sparks card or shop online.
M&S Sparks offers change regularly
The new scheme is designed to be more personalised. From food items to M&S dresses and clothes, there will be offers for different people.
This means offers may be based on what you usually buy, as well as products M&S would like you to try.
Some deals may only be available for a short time, so it’s important to check the Sparks app regularly and activate any offers you want to use.
What’s staying the same?
While the scheme has changed, some popular Sparks perks are still included:
A free birthday treat each year
A coffee reward (buy six, get the seventh free in-store)
Donations to charity each time you shop using Sparks
These benefits continue alongside the new rewards system.
Why M&S has made changes
M&S says the update is based on customer feedback and is designed to make rewards simpler and more flexible.
Instead of traditional points, shoppers now receive money-off rewards that can be used on whatever they choose in-store or online.
The idea is to give customers more control over how and when they save.
Why is M&S changing their Sparks card system?
M&S says the update is based on customer feedback and is designed to make rewards simpler and more flexible.
Instead of traditional points, shoppers now receive money-off rewards that can be used on whatever they choose in-store or online.
The idea is to give customers more control over how and when they save.
For regular M&S shoppers, the new Sparks scheme could offer more chances to save money on everyday shopping.
However, the rewards are only available if you activate offers in advance and meet the spending requirements.
Checking the app regularly will be key to making the most of the scheme.
Arabella Horspool is a Commercial Content Writer for Yours at Bauer Media. A devoted bookworm and TV fan, she’s always immersed in the latest shows or catching the newest films and theatre productions. When she’s not writing, Arabella enjoys cooking and exploring the outdoors with her dog.