Coronavirus: Aldi sends message to shoppers over stock levels after weekend of panic buying

With empty shelves reported in shops across the country as shoppers in panic buying mode stock up in case of self-isolation, Giles Hurley, Chief Executive of Aldi UK and Ireland, stressed that his stores are receiving regular supplies.

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He said: “As you will be aware, all supermarkets have been working very hard to keep up with demand over the last few days.

“I am writing to reassure you and all our other valued customers that our colleagues and trusted suppliers are working round the clock to keep our warehouses fully stocked.

“We have increased orders from our suppliers and our warehouses have sufficient stock to replenish all stores. This includes all of the essentials such as sanitary and baby products.

“Our amazing colleagues have been working tirelessly to restock our stores. However, unprecedented demand for certain products has made it difficult for us to ensure that there are no gaps on shelves.

“All of our stores receive daily deliveries, often multiple times a day. So if a certain product is not available when you visit, it will be replenished in the overwhelming majority of cases by the following day.”

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He added: “We have taken action to discourage people buying more than they need.

“Customers are currently limited to buying four items of any one product during each visit. This is still significantly more than most customers would buy in a normal shopping trip and we hope this temporary restriction will give as many customers as possible the opportunity to get what they need, every time they visit.

“I’m sure, like me, you are also concerned about those who are vulnerable at this time. Not everyone has the financial or practical resources to buy in bulk, including our elderly customers.

“We all have a responsibility to ensure we only buy what we and our families need. If we shop as we normally do, our stores will quickly return to normal.

“Finally, my sincere thanks to you for your continued support and to every single one of our colleagues.”