Christmas chocolates have already made their appearance in supermarkets, much to the surprise of shoppers.
A Tesco customer recently shared a photo on Reddit showing a sign at his local store limiting the purchase of chocolate tubs to a maximum of 10 per customer. The sign also indicated that the chocolates were priced at £6 each, but they’re available for £4.50 for Clubcard holders.
Shoppers were not only taken aback by the early arrival of festive treats, but also by the apparent rationing of the chocolates. While it may seem unlikely that anyone would want to buy more than 10 tubs at once, some sweet enthusiasts suggested that such limits are not uncommon.
One person commented: “10 tubs later and you might have enough to fill a tin from 10-15 years ago.” Another added: “We have that at my Tesco too, limit of 50 though.
“Watched two men come in and buy an entire pallet of Celebrations, and then do it again the next day, and load it all into an enterprise van. When I asked why they need so many they claimed it was for a ‘personal charity’, and wouldn’t tell me which one it was, despite me saying ‘Tesco would be happy to help out if it’s a charity!”
A third chimed in with: “Why is there an issue if there’s no supply restrictions? More sales = good no?” But people cleared up that the issue is greedy people clearing shelves.
Another added: “We have maximum of 50 at our store. Someone tried to buy a whole palette.” And a second joked: “People bulking up for Christmas. Quantitatively, figuratively and literally.”
The picture definitely got people talking – but it doesn’t necessarily mean there will also be a cap on sweet treats at your local store.
Tesco has clarified that there isn’t a blanket policy limiting customers to 10 boxes of Roses each. However, in certain locations, purchase limits on specific items might be enforced to ensure all people can access their needs, and to manage space on the company’s Grocery Home Shopping delivery vans.
If there is a restirction in place, it’s not at all linked to any sort of nationwide shortage. Instead, it’s a measure put in place to maintain fairness among shoppers during periods of heightened demand.
