Aldi has unveiled a significant double change to its operations, affecting both its popular weekly offers and its online shopping service. The discount supermarket is adjusting its famous Specialbuys schedule for the festive period and has confirmed it will permanently discontinue its Click and Collect service nationwide.
Specialbuys Schedule Altered for Christmas and New Year
Known for its treasure trove of middle aisle deals, Aldi typically releases new Specialbuys every Thursday and Saturday. However, with Christmas Day falling on a Thursday this year, the retailer has announced a temporary shift in its schedule.
An Aldi spokesperson confirmed the changes, stating: "The next Specialbuy release is scheduled for Sunday, December 28, so we’ll see new stock landing after the Christmas period."
The adjustment will continue into the new year. As New Year's Day also lands on a Thursday, the following week will see a revised pattern. Specialbuys will be released on Friday, January 2, and Sunday, January 4.
Click and Collect Service to be Phased Out Completely
In a more permanent operational shift, Aldi has officially confirmed it will be discontinuing its Click and Collect service across all of its UK stores. This decision forms part of a strategy to streamline the business and reduce overhead costs.
Retail bosses explained that the move is driven by a commitment to maintaining Aldi's position as the UK's cheapest supermarket. By removing the expenses linked to picking and storing online orders, the company states it can better protect its low-price model for all customers.
Shoppers who currently use the service are advised to check with their local store for the specific closing date. The phase-out is expected to be completed across the country before the end of the current month.
What This Means for Shoppers
The combined changes signal Aldi's focus on core in-store operations and its famous low-cost proposition. While the Specialbuys alteration is a short-term logistical tweak, the end of Click and Collect represents a significant withdrawal from a service many other supermarkets are expanding.
Customers seeking the retailer's discounted non-grocery items will need to note the new Sunday and Friday release dates over the coming fortnight. Those reliant on the collection service for online orders will now need to switch to entirely in-store shopping or use alternative retailers for grocery deliveries.
