iRadio Stock ImageSales of Christmas decorations and non essential specialbuys promotions will be stopped.
Lidl and Aldi stores will stop their middle-aisle products through the Level 5 Covid-19 restrictions.
The two supermarkets had so far resisted calls to block the shelves selling children’s toys, clothes, homewares and other non-essential items.
However, Tánaiste and Minister for Business Leo Varadkar warned big supermarkets against “not lawful” practices.
Since then, representatives of the major supermarkets have held a conference call seeking further clarity of what they can and can't sell during the level 5 restrictions with Minister of State Damian English.
Following the meeting, Aldi said it would postpone the sale of all non-essential goods in its weekly “special buys and middle-aisle promotions” for the duration of the tightened restrictions.
“In line with Government guidance, we have decided to postpone all non-essential product Specialbuys promotions,” a spokesman said.
“One-off Specialbuys offers on essential products will continue to be placed on sale each Thursday and Sunday. Thank you for your co-operation and patience during these challenging times.”
While a spokeswoman for Lidl told The Irish Times that it “will not be putting on sale any items that are deemed non-essential – eg Christmas decorations, casual clothing and toys.”
“We are also in the process of removing from sale any residual stock of previous non-essential promotions,” she added.
“We will continue to sell items that are classed as essential eg for upkeep of residence and businesses, safety clothing, repair and maintenance of cars and bikes etc in our middle aisles.
“We hope to put any cancelled items on sale at a later date, in line with restrictions being lifted and customers can keep up to date through our social media channels and website.”
