Aldi cancels Special Buys in NSW lockdown areas

Special Buys often cause lengthy lines, but after attracting harsh criticism during the spiralling outbreak, the retailer has been forced to act.

It’s the weekly event that attracts huge crowds in Aldi’s middle aisles.

And it is for that reason the German supermarket chain will temporarily suspend some of its popular Special Buys items in stores across NSW areas in lockdown.

The discounted range usually hits shelves on Wednesdays and Saturdays with people rushing in to nab a bargain.

But following backlash from radio shock jock Ray Hadley, the major retailer has decided to remove some of its high-demand products that attract large crowds.

“As the lockdown continues, we have expanded our measures to protect our customers,” an Aldi Australia spokesperson told news.com.au.

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Aldi will be removing a range of high-demand Special Buys in stores located in NSW lockdown areas.

“By analysing historic sales data, we are removing a range of high-demand Special Buys, like weighted blankets, TVs and outdoor furniture, from our Wednesday and Saturday on-sale dates in stores located in NSW lockdown areas.

“We will be communicating the products each week to our customers.”

During his morning radio program on 2GB on Wednesday, Hadley branded the chain “irresponsible” for continuing its Special Buys during lockdown after a listener allegedly emailed him a photo of a busy Aldi in the hotspot area of Blacktown.

The image was allegedly taken the day after an apartment building in the suburb was sent into total lockdown.

This includes items such as TVs, weighted blankets and outdoor furniture. Picture: Daniel Wilkins

“It’s like a plague of locusts when people queue up to get there,” he told listeners.

“I mean for god’s sake Aldi, I mean I know you’re operating here, and internationally, but can you be responsible. Pull your heads in.”

Hadley said “thankfully” in the photo he could see people were wearing masks, “but there’s people next to each other lining up going for all the gear”.

He called on listeners to “bar” the Wednesday and Saturday Special Buys before concluding his rant by asking Aldi Australia’s CEO to join him on air.

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The decision was influenced following radio shock jock Ray Hadley’s on-air rant labelling the retailer ‘irresponsible’ for continuing its Special Buys during lockdown. Picture: Kevin Farmer

“Can the Aldi CEO Tom Daunt – don’t be daunted by my words Tom – come on here and be a bit brave, have some balls and say, ‘Yeah, you’re right Ray,’” the 2GB host said.

“Irresponsible cr*p, it is.”

The Aldi spokesperson said the retailer understands specific Special Buys drive increased demand and it believes by pulling in-demand offers, “it will reduce the reason for someone to leave their home outside of the need to do essential shopping”.

Originally published as Aldi cancels Special Buys in NSW lockdown areas