Aldi snow gear sale in the deep freeze as coronavirus hits

The German discount supermarket is prioritising the nationwide distribution of groceries.

Previous ALDI snow gear sale.

Aldi supermarkets are set to resume normal trading conditions, despite the chilly effects of the coronavirus pandemic placing its annual snow gear sale in the deep freeze.

The German discount supermarket retailer has flagged special buys including ski wear will not go ahead this year, saying it is prioritising the nationwide distribution of groceries.

Aldi usually launches its snow sale in May and is synonymous with in-store fights erupting between customers, who are searching for a bargain.

The supermarket’s presence in the nation’s $400m snow gear market has attracted the likes of French sporting retailer Decathlon, which is also attempting to carve out a significant portion of the snow gear retail sector within Australia.

An Aldi spokeswoman told The Australian the decision was partly to do with an anticipated fall in snow holiday numbers, as COVID-19 shutdown measures were likely to restrict travel to Australia’s ski resorts.

“We know many customers look forward to our annual snow gear special buys and we are disappointed to confirm it will not be in stores this year,” a spokeswoman said. “Some advertised special buys will not be available as planned, including snow gear, while we prioritise the transportation and distribution of our core grocery items.”

The decision to suspend the sale prompted uproar on Facebook, with users communicating their disappointment that the bargain buys were cancelled.

“Pity about the people who live in the colder areas,” Facebook user, Debbie Marks said.

“I was waiting for this to stock up on clothes to work in the paddocks …”

Avril Pounds said the decision was “fair enough”, as ski resorts are most likely not going to open this winter.

Aldi stores are set to return to normal trading hours as of this week. Its supermarkets will begin trading between the hours of 8.30am to 7pm, or 8.30am to 8pm ­– unless state and local trading restrictions apply.

“We will continue to re-evaluate these hours on a weekly basis and communicate the decision to either make changes to these hours or uphold normal trading hours,” an Aldi spokeswoman said.

In a letter addressed to customers on Tuesday, Aldi chief executive Tom Daunt said the supermarket chain was committing to keeping it grocery costs down.

“We are acutely aware that many Australians are facing financial uncertainty right now,” Mr Daunt said.

“Our unique business model and these partnerships allow us to provide high quality products at the lowest prices.”