Aldi forced to cancel cult favourite ski gear sale

It is reliably one of Aldi’s most popular sales of the year, with people queuing before doors open. But this year, it’s cancelled.

Global conflict and two years of the coronavirus pandemic have forced Aldi to cancel their annual snow gear Special Buys sale this year, the supermarket has announced.

The snow gear sale is arguably the budget grocery chain’s most popular event each year and has built a cult following, with people typically lining up outside the supermarket well before the sale kicks off.

In a statement today, Aldi said the cancellation was a “hard but responsible option”.

“We know many customers look forward to our annual Snow Gear Special Buys and we are disappointed to share it will not be in stores this year,” the company said.

Due to supply chain issues that have impacted retailers across the country, our priority has been ensuring essential grocery items are available on shelves.

“Deep disruption in our supply chains over a number of months has meant that we have needed to make difficult decisions to make sure grocery is prioritised, and the removal of this year’s Snow Gear Special Buys was a hard, but responsible option.”

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Customers at the snow gear sale back in 2018. Picture: Jenny Evans

Keen shoppers outside Aldi in Kelvin Grove, Brisbane, hoping to grab bargains at the annual ski sale. Picture: Claudia Baxter

Aldi apologised for disappointing customers but said their focus on essential grocery items was more important.

“We know the Snow Gear is a much anticipated Special Buys event. It is never our intention to cause disappointment, but we hope our customers understand the need to prioritise essentials in a time that has been a logistical challenge,” the chain said.

“We love the Snow Gear Special Buys and can’t wait to be a part of customers’ snow holiday plans with top quality gear at low prices in 2023.”

The sale traditionally takes place each May and attracts thousands of shoppers across the country desperate to snap up a cool saving on snow gear.

In 2017, the sale created chaotic scenes in stores across the country, with some shoppers pushing and shoving their way through the aisles.

Australia’s ski and snow retail sector — estimated to be worth more than $2 billion a year — is dominated by Aldi’s annual sale.

Aldi announced the cancellation on Facebook, in a post that has already garnered hundreds of comments and dozens of shares.

The company announced the cancellation on social media. Picture: Facebook

While plenty of people were disappointed and took to the post to vent, most customers were understanding of the cancellation.

“We love Aldi. I love the fact you are honest. There is always next year,” one person said.

“So disappointed, needed to upgrade this year. However, you must do what to have to. Looking forward to them coming back in 2023,” a second said.

“In other news, Aldi staff all over the country are celebrating the news that snow day has been cancelled,” a third joked.

“What terrible problems and hardships some people seem to suffer and now be facing because of Aldi's supply chain issues. It must be so hard to go without or to have to suffer from the boredom of their annual Xmas, Easter, 'Holland Week' promotions,” a fourth said, criticising those who expressed disappointment.

“Watch five minutes of the war in Ukraine and then be grateful for where we live, the peace we enjoy, our homes not being bombed, our children not left orphans, our men not being massacred in a diabolical war .... and then lodge another complaint about Aldi!! How hard is it to 'go without'??? The sense of 'entitlement' is disgusting!!!”

The Aldi snow gear sale was also cancelled in 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic and was held in 2021, but with social distancing requirements.