Discount stores Aldi and Lidl are amongst the supermarkets which have had to adapt during the coronavirus pandemic. As the UK heads into its second lockdown, there are new measures put in place at both of the stores that shoppers must adhere to while food shopping.
In a letter to its customers, Aldi CEO, Giles Hurley, outlined the new measures put in place nationwide.
It read: “As restrictions across the UK continue to evolve, I want to reassure all of our customers that every Aldi store will remain open as normal during this time.
“The majority of our stores are open from 8am-10pm every day (Sundays 10am-4pm) and our amazing colleagues are on hand to help you shop safely and find everything you need in store.”
Mr Hurley also urged customers to shop for what they need and to not stockpile.
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Aldi encourages customers to pay by card or contactless when possible and wants customers to shop alone where possible.
The letter added: “For our vulnerable and elderly customers every Monday to Saturday, all our stores remain open 30 minutes prior to their usual opening times to ensure that you can shop as safely as possible.
“For all groups entitled to a Blue Light card, including NHS and social care workers, our priority access remains in place. These groups continue to have exclusive access to our stores 30 minutes before normal opening on Sundays in addition to priority access at all other times.”
The discount retailer continues to increase the availability of its new Click and Collect service, with more stores being added weekly.
Customers can also take advantage of their partnership with Deliveroo, which sees groceries being delivered within 30 minutes.
Meanwhile, its rival store Lidl has also updated shoppers on their new rules that customers must follow.
In a letter to customers, CEO Christian Härtnagel, said: “During peak hours, a designated person will be positioned at the store entrance, working to ensure the number of people in store remains within a safe limit.
“We have dedicated cleaning stations at the entrance of all Lidl stores, for customers to sanitise their hands and trolley or basket.”
When shopping in-store, shoppers must adhere to the social distancing guidelines which remains at two metres.
The letter added: “At check outs, we have protective screens to ensure colleagues and customers remain safe whilst also encouraging contactless card payments for shopping under £45.”
All Lidl colleagues have also been provided with face coverings to wear in line with government guidance and customers must also adhere to this rule too.
The CEO went on: “We are mindful that some customers have conditions which makes it difficult for them to wear a mask. However, for any customer who has forgotten to bring a mask with them, there are masks available on entering the store, which they can purchase later.”
Lidl also said that they have fully stocked shelves and urges customers to continue to shop normally and only buy what they need.