Aldi will slash shopping hours in a desperate bid to clamp down on panic buying after shelves were left bare
- Aldi announced as of Wednesday stores would open at 9.30am and close at 7pm
- The Australian version of the chain said these hours would be reassessed weekly
- Aldi said the decision was made to allow them to replenish stock and clean
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Aldi is reducing their opening hours to help deal with low stock on the shelves created by panic buying due to coronavirus.
The supermarket announced as of Wednesday stores would be opening at 9.30am and closing at 7pm.
‘We are operating at full-steam and working under immense pressure to provide products to every single customer that shops with us,’ a statement read.
Aldi is reducing their opening hours to help deal with low stock on the shelves created by panic buying due to coronavirus
‘We also want to let you know that there is more than enough food to go around; we just need your patience and support.’
This will apply to all stores unless other state trading restrictions apply.
The trading hours will be re-evaluated weekly to determine the best course of action going forward.
The supermarket company said the decision was made to allow their employees a break to look after themselves, replenish stock and allow cleaning.
‘Please think before you buy and only buy what you and your family need. If we all do this, then we can make sure we have enough for everyone,’ the statement continued.
Similar protocols are being rolled out at Coles and Woolworths to help combat panic buying.
On Tuesday Aldi also limited customers to two packets each of dry pasta, paper towels, hand sanitiser, dry rice and flour.
Only one packet of toilet paper is allowed per customer.
Similar protocols are being rolled out at Coles and Woolworths to help combat panic buying that have left shelves empty
The spread of coronavirus has sparked panic buying which has stripped supermarkets of toilet paper, pasta, rice, frozen food as well as tinned and other dried goods.
Aldi chief executive Tom Daunt said people should not worry about access to fresh food and has asked customers to be respectful to staff.
Aldi chief executive Tom Daunt asked customers to respect staff
‘The increase in violence that retailers have seen over the past few weeks is absolutely unacceptable,’ he said.
He asked people to be ‘considerate and compassionate’ when they shop and respect employees.
‘Quite frankly, we won’t tolerate anything less. We understand your concerns, but buying more than is needed can mean that others will be left without,’ he said.
Change-of-mind refunds have been suspended from March 17 until further notice to discourage over-purchasing.