Aldi has whipped up a frenzy amongst loyal shoppers after announcing a major change to its business.
The budget retailer – which was crowned Britain’s Cheapest Supermarket for three consecutive years – has decided to axe one of it’s popular services from next week (August 19).
Swathes of unhappy customers vowed to start shopping at other supermarkets after receiving an email explaining that Aldi’s Click & Collect services would cease operating for good.
Around 174 locations in the UK offer the service, which allows shoppers to conveniently arrive at the store to find their entire shop already bagged; it’s particularly popular with those unable to drive or people with unsociable working hours.
“One of the ways we keep our prices low for customers is by running the most efficient supermarket business in Britain,” Aldi wrote. “As a result, we’ve made the decision to bring our Click & Collect service to an end so we can focus on doing just that.”
The supermarket confirmed any Click & Collect orders placed before 19 August can still be collected as usual, but that no new orders will become available.
“Although you will no longer be able to order your shopping to collect, you can still get all your favourite items, including our Specialbuys, by coming into [the] store,” Aldi added.
But taking to the popular Aldi UK Facebook page, dozens of shoppers claimed the move means they’ll no longer be loyal to the budget supermarket.
“I’m gutted, will no longer be shopping there any more,” one person raged. “I can’t stand doing my shopping in-store and being pressured to load and unload a full shop. Plus Click & Collect worked so well around my job.”
Another agreed, writing: “They will lose a lot of customers, I don’t drive and I have a taxi pick up my shopping, but now I will have to go in-store and do it.”
A third added: “I can’t believe this is coming to an end. This made life SOOOOO much easier,” while a fourth branded the move a ‘shame’.
However, some argued the shake-up is a ‘brilliant decision’ as it means all employees in the store willl be able to help shoppers, rather than be busy packing online orders.
“I think a better in-store experience is the way forward,” one person wrote. Another agreed, stating: “Didn’t even know they did click and collect – probably the real reason why they’re getting rid, nobody used it.”
Aldi has been approached for comment.
