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Aldi and Lidl have given in to pressure to end the sale of “middle aisle” products that are deemed non-essential after the government threatened to clamp down on retailers who violate closure guidelines.
The two supermarket chains had resisted orders last week to seal shelves selling toys, clothing, household items and other children’s items, as business leaders warned that smaller stores that obey the rules they could reopen in a disobedience campaign.
Isme, who represents smaller merchants, criticized the government for facilitating a “massive transfer of wealth” from small paralyzed stores to profitable multiples.
In response, Tánaiste and Business Minister Leo Varadkar warned large supermarkets against “illegal” practices, saying the Garda would enforce regulations prohibiting the sale of non-essential items.
Tesco and Dunnes moved to block access to products such as clothing, household items, home entertainment and toys over the weekend.
Gardaí is understood to have visited various outlets across the country to verify compliance.
Representatives from major grocery retailers held a conference call with Minister of State Damian English, who has responsibility for the retail sector, on Wednesday to get more clarity on Level 5 restrictions.
After the meeting, Aldi issued a statement saying it would postpone the sale of all non-essential goods in its weekly “special purchases and middle aisle promotions” for the duration of the stricter restrictions.
“In accordance with government guidance, we have decided to postpone all Specialbuys promotions of non-essential products,” said a spokesperson.
“Specialbuys unique offers on essentials will continue to be on sale every Thursday and Sunday. Thank you for your cooperation and patience during these challenging times. “
A Lidl spokeswoman said it “will not put up for sale any items that are deemed non-essential, for example Christmas decorations, casual clothing and toys.”
“We are also in the process of removing any residual stock from previous non-essential promotions from sale,” he added.
“We will continue to sell items that are classified as essential, for example, for the maintenance of residences and businesses, safety clothing, repair and maintenance of cars and bicycles, etc. in our central aisles.
“We look forward to putting any canceled items up for sale at a later date, subject to the restrictions that will be removed and customers can stay updated through our social media channels and website.”
The spokeswoman said some customers will be disappointed that the non-essential items advertised for sale in their weekly promotions brochure, which are printed several weeks in advance, will no longer be available.
Last week, Lidl said that if it was forced to remove non-essential items from sale “it would cause massive logistical problems and result in overstocking in our warehouses, seriously compromising our ability to obtain essential food supplies.”
“We can appreciate that this may seem unfair, however we have made every effort to cancel the promotion of these articles in the media and online,” a spokeswoman said at the time.
An Aldi spokesperson said at the time: “The vast majority of our range consists of groceries and other essential household items that Irish families depend on.”
Under Tier 5 restrictions, stores that can open between now and early December include supermarkets, pharmacies, hardware and health stores, stores that sell PPE, fuel suppliers, stores that sell things considered essential to animal welfare. and stores that sell products necessary for the “essential maintenance and operation of places of residence and businesses.”
All outlets that can operate a click-and-collect, home delivery or phone ordering system can also continue to operate, although people will not be able to visit stores to navigate aisles.
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