With Christmas fast approaching, securing a supermarket delivery slot for the holiday period is crucial, especially for busy parents. Supermarkets like Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Asda, and Waitrose are gradually opening their Christmas delivery slots, with many offering priority booking for customers with subscription services such as Delivery Saver or Smart Pass. These slots cover essential dates leading up to Christmas, including December 20-24.
For families, the holiday rush often leads to popular slots selling out quickly, so it’s vital to plan early. You’re probably wondering things like when will Tesco release their Christmas delivery slots? Here’s what you need to know:
Priority access for Delivery Saver customers usually opens early, followed by general access around mid-November. Keep an eye on your account for notifications, as Tesco’s slots are often the first to go. Regular shoppers can expect general access a few weeks later, but the availability depends on your location and demand.
Christmas slots for customers with Delivery Pass memberships open ahead of the public release, which usually happens in early to mid-November. If you have a Sainsbury’s Delivery Pass, make sure you’re signed up to receive alerts so you can grab a convenient slot as soon as they become available.
Known for offering competitive prices, Asda allows its Delivery Pass members first access to Christmas slots before they open to all customers. If you want to avoid the stress of last-minute planning, booking early is your best bet.
Another popular choice, Waitrose offers Christmas slots, but they tend to fill up quickly. Signing up for MyWaitrose alerts can help you stay on top of key dates for when bookings open. Christmas slots will be available to all customers on 2 October
Morrisons offers early access to Christmas delivery slots for customers who subscribe to their Delivery Pass service. Delivery pass users can book from October 9. As Morrisons tends to release their slots all at once, rather than in phases, it’s vital to act quickly. If you’re subscribed to Delivery Pass, you should receive an email alert when slots are released. It’s also recommended to check the app regularly as the demand surges closer to Christmas, especially for key dates like December 20-24.
For Ocado, Christmas delivery slots open first to Smart Pass holders, who often get access around early November. After this priority period, general access becomes available, typically a few weeks later. Ocado’s slots, particularly in high-demand areas, are snapped up quickly, so it’s advisable to be prepared to book as soon as you receive your notification. For those without a Smart Pass, it’s best to monitor their app closely and set up alerts, as popular delivery days may be sold out within hours of becoming available.
Iceland has grown in popularity for Christmas shopping due to its competitive pricing, especially on frozen items that can be stored ahead of time. While Iceland doesn’t have a formal delivery pass subscription, their Bonus Card customers often get notified first about early access to Christmas delivery slots. Iceland tends to release their slots in early December, but signing up for a Bonus Card and enabling notifications will give you a better chance of securing a prime delivery slot in the run-up to Christmas.
Co-op’s delivery slots, while less extensive than some larger chains, are available for Christmas as well. Co-op does not currently offer a subscription service, but they do recommend booking as soon as slots open, which is typically in early December. Using the Co-op app or website, you can track when Christmas slots become available and secure a delivery window before they sell out.
While Aldi is primarily known for its in-store shopping experience, it offers a Click & Collect service during the Christmas period in select locations. Slots for Click & Collect typically open in early December, so it’s essential to keep an eye on Aldi’s website or app for when booking starts in your area. Aldi does not offer home delivery for groceries, so this is an option for those who prefer to shop with Aldi during the holiday season.
M&S provides Christmas Food to Order, where customers can select and reserve Christmas groceries for collection in-store. They don’t offer home delivery for their groceries, but the collection slots become available in early November. If M&S is your go-to for special holiday treats, it’s best to book a slot as soon as possible to avoid disappointment, especially for popular items like their Christmas puddings, turkeys, and other festive foods.
It’s important for parents to keep track of these opening dates to ensure a smooth and convenient holiday shopping experience. Since availability can vary by region, regular updates from your supermarket’s website or app will help you secure a delivery time that fits your schedule.
Additionally, as prices and stock can fluctuate closer to Christmas, it’s worth budgeting early and considering alternate shopping options to avoid surprises.
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