Aldi has confirmed a temporary change to its well-known middle aisle Specialbuys schedule in all UK branches during the Christmas and New Year period. The discount retailer will suspend its usual release days to align with store closures on key holidays.
The German supermarket chain’s middle aisle, home to its weekly rotating selection of Specialbuys, has become one of its most popular features among British shoppers. From practical household goods to quirky finds, the section offers limited-time deals every Thursday and Sunday. But this schedule will now see interruptions over the coming two weeks due to the festive calendar, according to a company spokesperson.
Specialbuy Releases Delayed Due to Festive Closures
The supermarket confirmed that no new Specialbuys will arrive in stores before Christmas weekend. With Christmas Day falling on a Thursday this year, the usual midweek stock drop will not take place. According to an Aldi spokesperson, “The next Specialbuy release is scheduled for Sunday, December 28, so we’ll see new stock landing after the Christmas period.”
Aldi’s operational timetable is being adjusted to accommodate public holidays and planned closures. The retailer’s UK stores will shut completely on Christmas Day and Boxing Day, with shutters also remaining down on New Year’s Day. These closures mean that the typical Thursday and Sunday pattern of new Specialbuy arrivals will resume only after these dates.
According to Aldi, this disruption will continue into early January. As New Year’s Day also falls on a Thursday, the first Specialbuy release of 2026 will be postponed. Customers can instead expect two releases during the first week of January, one on Friday, January 2, and another on Sunday, January 4, ensuring shoppers will still have the opportunity to browse new products shortly after the holidays.
Post-christmas Range to Focus on Home Essentials
When the next wave of Specialbuys does return, Aldi’s middle aisles will be stocked with items focused on home organisation and cleaning. Among the upcoming range are products such as a three-tier airer, laundry accessories, and a spray mop, designed to help households start the new year on a practical note. Several candles will also feature among the limited-time offers, catering to those looking to refresh their living spaces.
According to the supermarket’s announcement, the focus on home essentials aligns with the retailer’s typical January theme, which encourages customers to declutter and refresh their homes following the festive season. The middle aisle’s appeal lies in its unpredictability and value, and this short interruption is expected to heighten anticipation among regular shoppers once new stock returns to shelves.
While the brief pause in Specialbuys may alter shopping plans for some, Aldi emphasises that its decision is in line with its long-standing practice of closing on major holidays to give employees time off with their families. According to the retailer, this closure policy remains one of the reasons it continues to enjoy strong customer loyalty during busy holiday periods.
