MARKS and Spencer shoppers have been left fuming over a Christmas giveaway and the lack of freebies with some even claiming it’s ” a con”.
The retailer offers a 12 day advent calendar on its app for those signed up to its loyalty scheme.
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Each day shoppers open a window with M&S promising a “festive offer or gift every day” between December 1 and December 12.
But shoppers are complaining they are “utter rubbish” or have not been given one of the freebies.
Free gifts so far include a box of Belgian chocs worth £6, Percy Pigs which usually cost £2, and an Apothecary reed diffuser worth £6.
Each shopper gets a different offer though – with some complaining that they have yet to nab one.
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On other days there are offers and discounts instead, including 15% off Christmas cake and pudding, and 20% off slippers, wrapping paper and cards.
Shoppers have taken to Facebook to share their disappointment with the rewards they have received so far.
One user declared: “Mine have been all utter rubbish so far.”
“All I’ve had is money off stuff I never buy,” said someone else.
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A third user said: “I got zero freebies.”
“I never get this stuff” fumed someone else.
Some unhappy customers took to X, formerly known as Twitter to share their frustration.
One user said: “M&S so disappointed with your 12 days of Christmas. What a con.”
Another said: “15% off Christmas cake but not mince pies. Come on, M&S up your game.”
However, not all M&S customers were unhappy with their rewards.
Several shoppers revealed they have managed to bag free treats, discounts and even a free perfume.
One Facebook user confessed:” Oh I got a tub of mini bites.”
“M&S sparks card offers Free Percy pigs and Free mini (chocolate) bites with the Christmas,” said someone else about the Christmas countdown.
Another user revealed: “I got a free perfume.”
Here’s a list of the rewards some shoppers have managed to get over the past seven days:
- A free bag of festive Percy Pigs
- 20% of Chritsmas jumpers
- A free 30ml Apothecary diffuser
- A free alphabet-hanging decoration
- 15% of Christmas cake and pudding
- A free net of M&S chocolate gold coins
- 20% of Christmas wrapping paper and multipack Christmas cards
- A free 75ml fragrance-free hand cream
- A free 30ml bottle of Discover fragrance
We asked M&S how the rewards are allocated, but the retailer declined to reveal how it works.
An M&S spokesperson said: “We’ve seen unprecedented demand for 12 Days of M&S this December, with over half a million free gifts and savings redeemed so far.”
“Our customers have told us they’ve been delighted with their free treats and personalised offers – with over 6million still to come including Christmas light up Liqueurs and bottles of Prosecco.”
How do I claim M&S 12 Day of Christmas rewards?
We are past the halfway mark for the M&S 12 days of Christmas event but you can still get involved.
First, you’ll need to create a Sparks account – which you can do for free via the M&S or on their website.
You need to live in the UK and be 18 or over to take part.
Every day you’ll need to log into the app to claim your reward.
Simply tap the door on the screen, and your reward will automatically be added to your account.
Only one daily reward will be made. Customers using the app have an extra 24 hours to access the previous day’s offer.
Once you have a reward the app should share details of how long you will have to redeem it so make sure you check.
You can set up push notifications on your device to remind you to sign into the app so you don’t miss rewards.
But remember if you get a discount offer it’s only a good deal if you intended to buy it anyway.
Plus don’t be tempted to buy anything else when popping in to pick up a freebie, otherwise you’re not making a saving.
Check out the full list of other retailers giving away advent calendar freebies and discounts.
Now is the best time to nab discounted advent calendars, many retailers have slashed the prices of Cadbury, Lindt and Mars advent calendars.
Several supermarkets have confirmed they will be slashing the prices of vegetables in the days leading up to Christmas, with prices going down to just 15p.
Websites like trolley.co.uk can be useful for food shopping while Latest Deals shares what discounts customers can get at a range of retailers.
Do you have a money problem that needs sorting? Get in touch by emailing [email protected].
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