Aldi cancels 'special buys' snow gear sale due to supply chain issues

Aldi has been forced to cancel its highly anticipated snow equipment sale as supply chain issues force the supermarket to focus on groceries.

The discount grocer informed shoppers via social media that it was battling "deep disruption" in its supply chain and felt the "responsible option" was to prioritise food products for in-store delivery.

Held once a year, Aldi's Snow Gear Special Buys sales have reached near-cult status among shoppers who have been seeing queuing for hours to get first access to discount jackets, pants, ski equipment and snow wear.

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"We know many customers look forward to our annual Snow Gear Special Buys and we are disappointed to share it will not be in stores this year," Aldi informed shoppers via its Facebook page.

"Due to supply chain issues that have impacted retailers across the country, our priority has been ensuring essential grocery items are available on shelves.

"Deep disruption in our supply chains over a number of months has meant that we have needed to make difficult decisions to make sure grocery is prioritised, and the removal of this year's Snow Gear Special Buys was a hard, but responsible option."

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The supermarket said it hoped customers would understand the need to postpone the sale, which is scheduled to run as normal in 2023.

"We know the Snow Gear is a much anticipated Special Buys event. It is never our intention to cause disappointment, but we hope our customers understand the need to prioritise essentials in a time that has been a logistical challenge," Aldi said.

"We love the Snow Gear Special Buys and can't wait to be a part of customers' snow holiday plans with top quality gear at low prices in 2023."

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While Aldi did not specify the exact issues complicating its supply chain, several retailers have complained of a "perfect storm" of variables forcing businesses to alter sale schedules.

The high price of fuel combined with COVID-19 isolation requirements – both domestically and overseas – have hit at the same time as the war in Ukraine and major floods on Australia's east coast.