Aldi panic buying coronavirus

From today, Aldi’s limit of four items per shopper only applies to 13 product categories

  • Aldi said easing restrictions would make it easier for people to shop for the vulnerable

  • Both discounters are encouraging customers to continue only buying what they need

  • It follows Morrisons’ changes to product limits yesterday

 

Aldi and Lidl are easing restrictions on purchases as supplies in stores improve.

Aldi had placed a limit of four per shopper on all lines but as of today it only applies to 13 product categories, including hand sanitiser and toilet roll.

Aldi said product availability was now good and that easing restrictions would make it easier for people to shop for the vulnerable and those who are self-isolating.

Lidl said restrictions were being lifted on ambient products with the exception of toilet roll, as footfall stabilised and customers followed guidance on shopping for essentials.

Both discounters are encouraging customers to continue only buying what they need.

“We urge customers to continue buying in usual household quantities, in line with our existing policy, to ensure that all customers continue to have access to all of the products that they need,” said a Lidl spokeswoman.

“This is, as ever, at our store managers’ discretion and we ask customers for their continued consideration for others when shopping with us.”

The moves follow an announcement from Morrisons yesterday that it was raising purchase limits from three items to four, and removing them altogether on some lines, to make it easier for customers to donate to food banks.

These are Aldi’s latest restrictions.

Four per customer:

• Antibacterial wipes

• Handwash and soap

• Shower gel

• Bleach

• Toilet tissue, kitchen towel, tissues

• Nappies

• Pasta

• Canned tomatoes, canned beans and sausages

• Part-baked bread

• Beers, wines and spirits

Two per customer:

• Antibacterial hand gel

• UHT milk

• Baby formula