Aldi is hugely popular with shoppers, but there is a lesser-known rule to be aware of
Aldi has soared in popularity over recent years, thanks to its budget prices during the ongoing cost of living crisis. Most of its products are own-label items, which tend to be cheaper than big-name brands – something that goes down well with modern consumers.
The budget chain has been crowned Britain’s most affordable supermarket by consumer publication Which? for 22 out of the past 23 months, consistently outperforming competitors such as Asda and Tesco despite lacking a rewards programme or offering loyalty-based pricing like other major retailers.
Aldi is also known for its Specialbuys – limited-stock non-grocery items that land in shops on Thursdays or Sundays. These include everything from household goods and DIY products to children’s toys and kitchen gadgets.
And this is where a little-known Aldi policy might kick in. Given the huge demand for certain Specialbuys, customers may find they aren’t allowed to purchase as many as they would like.
Guidance on Aldi’s website explains: “Normally you can buy as much as you can fit in your trolley (and that includes Specialbuys). But if there’s a real favourite, we might need to put a limit on how many you can get. That way as many people as possible can try it out.”
Regarding its Specialbuys range, Aldi adds: “We only keep our Specialbuys around for a week – once they’re gone, they’re gone.”
The company’s FAQs section provides further clarification on why per-customer restrictions are in place. In response to the question ‘Why can’t I do bulk orders and re-sell your products myself’, Aldi responded: “Because there’s only one Aldi! Everything we do is geared towards making sure our customers get the biggest range of goods at the best possible prices.
“We’re not a wholesaler. So no matter how tempting, you can’t bulk buy our brands to sell on yourself.”
