Walmart is feeling the heat from angry customers after the retailer announced it will end the Savings Catcher program on May 14.
The app-based price-matching program, which scanned about 80,000 grocery and general merchandise items and compared them to competitors to ensure the Bentonville-Ark. retailer was the low-price leader, will end on May 14.
Customers submitted receipts through the free Savings Catcher app or online to receive refunds on Walmart eGift cards.
In a letter to customers, Walmart said it “learned through Savings Catcher … that our efforts to lower prices up front on thousands of items across our stores is working. Walmart’s prices win most often when you submit your receipts, which tells us that the program’s intent has been met.”
Hundreds of customers flocked to social media to complain about the decision to end Savings Catcher, saying it saved them hundreds of dollars.
One Twitter user disputed Walmart’s claim, saying he saved more than $900 since joining the program, and using the hashtag #BoycottWalmart.
“We’ve been using the @walmart #SavingsCatcher for 4 years now. We’ve saved over $900 in that time. That shows they are not the lowest prices. Saved even more when @meijer moved into the area. We say no shopping at @walmart on May 15. #BoycottWalmart” tweeted Brian Lukaszewicz .
Other Twitter users also were posting screen shots of their savings, accusing Walmart of lying.
“@Walmart is discontinuing their savings catcher program because they claim most of the time their prices are lower. The $551 I’ve saved over the past few years determined that was a lie,” said a tweet from @sirphobos1.
Unhappy customers also were ripping the retailer on Walmart’s Facebook page.
“I am not happy with savings catcher being discontinued,” posted Wendy Havelka Walsh. “I will do as little shopping with you as possible and I will definitely not be using Walmart pay. No point to it now. Our local Jewel often beats your prices with sale items. I guess I will just give them my business. Amazon prime gives me 5% back on my purchases, so I will just buy more grocery items from them. Delivery is better anyway.”
Another Facebook users said: “No more savings catcher??” posted Rachel Merideth. “I’ll be spending my money at Target and local grocery stores now. There is no reason to go to Walmart anymore.”
Walmart’s reply to one unhappy customer: “We’re still committed to offering consistent low prices. If you see a lower price at another retailer, please reach out to your local store manager for help or call 1-800-WALMART.”
A Texas customer wasn’t having it. She accused the retailer of ending the program to make more money.
“Personally I think, they looked at how much cash they were giving their customers back, because they were NOT the cheapest in many cases, and that money added up to a liability,” posted Jakki Kimball. “It was costing them too much money to comparison shop for their patrons. If I have to go back to doing this myself, there is no need for me to come back to Walmart. I can price match my things like I used to at the closest store to me, which is around the corner. Also there is Amazon, I get free delivery, so will be utilizing that as well more often now.”
On Twitter, Walmart asked what customers were filling their carts with.
“Nothing once you get ride of Savings Catcher,” tweeted one customer.
Connect with me: Facebook.com/DoreensDeals, Twitter.com/PrettyGoodIdeas or email dchristensen@sunsentinel.com.
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