Aldi’s plea to shoppers over social distancing concerns during Special Buys

Chaos in Aldi aisles over Special Buys isn’t a new issue – but amid social distancing, Aldi is pleading with shoppers to behave.

It’s the weekly event that has been known to cause chaos in Aldi’s middle aisles.

Which is why some shoppers are keen to know why the German supermarket is still hosting Special Buys sales as the country grapples with social distancing measures in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic.

One mum decided to tackle the hot topic direct, asking Aldi to implement a ticket or number system to prevent the “rushing, grabbing and fighting over Special Buys” given Australians can be fined for not adhering to social distancing rules.

“It just seems like this style of shopping as it is, isn’t helping people social distance,” she wrote in the Aldi Mums Facebook group.

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A mum has called on Aldi to cancel Special Buys during the pandemic over social distancing concerns. Picture: Facebook/Aldi Fans Australia

Aldi have long had a nationwide policy of not limiting or restricting its weekly deals with customers, but said stores “do reserve the right to limit purchases to one per customer when they anticipate unusually high demand”.

The retailer also said it follows strict social distancing measures across all stores, including adhering to the 1.5 metre restriction.

“Occasionally, heightened anticipation for a particular product has attracted more customers at once than usual. We need our customers to respect social distancing measures at all times, even when they are standing outside our stores. While the majority do follow the correct process, it is disappointing to see when social distancing measures are not adhered to,” an Aldi spokesperson told news.com.au

“While our store teams do their best to enforce customer flows, such as limiting the number of shoppers in our stores, we also ask our customers to remember to keep at least 1.5 metres apart from each other at all times, both in and outside of our stores. This measure is in place to ensure the utmost safety of our customers while they shop with us. We ask everyone to show co-operation, patience and understanding when shopping.”

It’s not the first time customers have called on the budget retailer to introduce a “fairer” system – but following yesterday’s kitchen appliance sale that saw items being snapped up by hordes of shoppers, some claiming social distancing went out the window – the topic has reared its head again.

She said the style of shopping encourages ‘rushing, grabbing and fighting’. Picture: Facebook / Aldi Mums

Some argued the responsibility lies firmly on the shopper, stating it is up to the individual to follow the rules when trying to snag a bargain.

“Everyday people are concerned about social distancing but they forget it when it comes to specials. They can put the rules (and the rules are the same everywhere social distancing, washing hands, sanitising, etc) but it is up to people to follow them,” one said.

“Are we not mature enough to distance ourselves?” another wrote.

While someone else said: “Just don’t be part of the crazy Aldi people and then you won’t be at risk?”

“If people weren’t completely stupid about it we wouldn’t have that problem,” another chipped in.

Others said it was on Aldi to ensure people could get their Special Buys while being able to maintain social distance.

“I do feel like there should be some sort of system in place to allow those who get there first the first chance to buy, while maintaining social distancing,” one wrote

“Agree they should limit purchases / hand out numbers. People are reselling and they are not enforcing social distancing and are not being responsible,” another said.

One woman said she had been very “disappointed” in Aldi after witnessing customers “lining up without social distancing, and to stampede into the store when the doors open, towards the specials buys”.

“All of those people have lined up and crowded with other people for no reason. In normal times, this is not a big deal. But when there is such an easily spread virus going around, it seems really cavalier and selfish.”

Even during lockdown and with social distancing measures, shoppers are still heading into stores to snag a bargain. Picture: Facebook/Aldi Mums

Shoppers on Wednesday queued up to get their hands on a range of kitchen gadgets, including a waffle maker, toastie press as well as kettles and toasters.

The $39.99 waffle maker – which actually came with other plates so you could make multiple snacks – proved popular with shoppers with many sharing photos of empty aisles.

One post from earlier in August showed the queues for a weighted blanket, with the poster revealing people were “shoving” to get their hands on one, despite wearing masks.

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