The holiday season can often be synonymous with crowded supermarkets, leading to stress and long queues for shoppers. However, a recent study by online supermarket Britsuperstore has revealed the ideal times to do your Christmas shopping at some of the top supermarket chains in the UK. By strategically choosing the right day and time to visit stores like Aldi, Tesco, Lidl, Morrisons, and more, you can potentially avoid the chaos and shop hassle-free, even during the busy month of December.
Starting with Aldi, the research indicates that the quietest times to shop include Monday to Friday from 8-9 am and 9-10 pm, as well as Saturdays from 8-9 am and 9-10 pm. Additionally, for those looking to snag discounted items, it’s recommended to visit before opening or around 3 pm when special buys are often reduced. Similarly, Lidl operates on a two-wave reduction system, with products discounted in the morning and a few hours before closing, allowing savvy shoppers to take advantage of lower prices.
Morrisons, on the other hand, offers substantial reductions starting at 3 pm, with further price cuts at 5 pm, and dramatic discounts on in-store cooked food at 8 pm. The Co-Operative typically begins reductions around 6 pm, with items nearing their expiration date sold at 50% off. Meanwhile, Tesco provides discounts starting at 9 am, with additional reductions in the afternoon and evening, ideal for those seeking bargains on a variety of products.
At Sainsbury’s, reductions can vary significantly by store, but the best time to visit is generally after lunch, with the most considerable discounts occurring between 5-7 pm. For 24-hour Asda locations, early morning shoppers can enjoy lower prices, with additional reductions throughout the day. M&S offers three waves of reductions, with significant discounts after 4 pm on select items, while Waitrose tends to reduce prices two hours before closing, particularly on fresh food items.
Lastly, Iceland implements reductions through deliveries and flash discount schemes, providing opportunities for shoppers to save on groceries. Richard Price, Director of Britsuperstore, also shared some general shopping tips, such as utilising online shopping, purchasing store-brand items, and planning ahead to maximise savings. By incorporating these strategies into their shopping routine, consumers can navigate the holiday rush more efficiently and potentially save money in the process.