Sainsbury's Nectar loyalty programme connects with theme parks and attractions giant Merlin Entertainments
Nectar has launched a new partnership with Merlin Entertainments. Customers can now spend their loyalty points to secure entry at more than 20 Merlin attractions when they book through the Nectar app.
The offer covers various destinations across the UK, including LEGOLAND Windsor Resort, Chessington World of Adventures Resort, Alton Towers Resort, Thorpe Park, the London Eye, SEA LIFE aquariums, Warwick Castle, and Cadbury World. Nectar and Merlin are also giving customers the opportunity to double the value of their points. For example, by swapping £5 worth of Nectar points customers can save £10 off Merlin ticket prices.
Mark Given, Sainsbury’s Chief Technology, Marketing and Data Officer, says: “We know our Nectar members want great value and real rewards. That’s why our partnership with Merlin matters. It's all about giving families fun days out for less and making every point count towards something special.”
Amir Rasekh, Nectar360’s Managing Director, says: “Making it easy for customers to spend their points is really important. By stripping out unnecessary steps, we’ve created a faster, more intuitive redemption experience in partnership with Merlin - one that’s much better for our Nectar members.”
Stan Swinton, Merlin’s Chief Growth Officer, says: “With Nectar, we are able to offer even better access to days out and holidays for families across the UK. This partnership is another step in realising our ambition of providing affordable attractions that bring families close together through play. With Bluey the Ride: Here Come The Grannies at Alton Towers and World of PAW Patrol at Chessington World of Adventures, now is the best time for Nectar customers to enjoy the benefits of Merlin attractions and even more Nectar points.”
2026 RTIH Innovation Awards
Loyalty programmes will be a key focus area at the 2026 RTIH Innovation Awards.
The awards are now open for entries and celebrate global retail technology innovation in a fast moving omnichannel world.
Our winners will be revealed at the 2026 RTIH Innovation Awards Ceremony, taking place at The HAC in Central London on Wednesday, 4th November.
Check out our 2025 winners here.
Our 2025 hall of fame entrants were revealed during a sold out event which took place at The HAC on 16th October and consisted of a drinks reception, three course meal, and awards ceremony presided over by award winning comedian, actress and writer Tiff Stevenson.
In his welcome speech, Scott Thompson, Founder and Editor, RTIH, said: “This is the awards’ fifth year as a physical event. We started off with just 30 people at the South Place Hotel not far from here, then moved to London Bridge Hotel, then The Barbican, and last year RIBA’s HQ in the West End.”
“But I’m conscious of the fact that, to quote the legend that is Taylor Swift, You’re only as hot as your last hit, baby. So, this year we’ve moved to our biggest venue yet, and also pulled in our largest number of entries to date and broken attendance records.”
He added: “This year’s submissions have without doubt been our best yet. To quote one of the judges: The examples of innovative developments across both traditional and digital retail spaces were truly remarkable.”
Congratulations to our winners, and a big thank you to our sponsors, judging panel, the legend that is Tiff Stevenson, and all those who attended our 2025 gathering.
