Tesco launched its Clubcard loyalty scheme in 1995.
The program allowed shoppers to collect points when buying goods at Tesco stores and later redeem them for vouchers or other rewards. It was introduced during a period when large retailers were increasingly using customer data to understand shopping habits and design targeted promotions.
Clubcard became one of Tesco’s most recognizable customer programs and helped establish loyalty cards as a major feature of supermarket retailing in the United Kingdom. Tesco later expanded the scheme across several countries and added digital tools, personalized offers, and partnerships.
A common mix-up is confusing Tesco Clubcard with Nectar, another major UK loyalty program. Nectar launched in 2002 and was shared by multiple participating companies, while Clubcard began as Tesco’s own retailer-specific scheme. Tesco’s original 1995 launch is therefore the relevant date for this question.