Tesco reveals exact date Christmas delivery slots will open – and how to get one EARLY
Plus, we've listed all the other key supermarket dates
TESCO has revealed when shoppers can book their Christmas delivery slots.
Those already thinking about Christmas preparations can pre-book their Christmas food delivery from the beginning of next month.
However, Tesco is giving customers who pay for an annual delivery pass first dibs.
The supermarket’s delivery plan and click and collect delivery plan customers can book their slots from 6am on Tuesday, November 5.
This gives customers a one-week head start on regular shoppers, who will have to wait until November 12 to nab a slot.
But if you also want to get ahead of the game, you can still sign up to the relevant delivery plan by Monday, November 4.
Tesco delivery plans range from £3.99 a month to £7.99 a month, depending on what level of service you want.
You could save on each plan by paying for 12-months up front.
The click and collect plan costs £2.49 a month.
To buy the plans, visit tesco.com/deliverysaver.
Tom Denyard, managing director of Tesco Online said: “We’re looking forward to helping customers across the UK pick up their family favourites or treat themselves to something special this festive season.
“As we help customers plan ahead for their Christmas shop this year, we are excited to be providing increased capacity with thousands of extra slots available in the fortnight leading up to Christmas Day.
“And there is no better time to sign up to a convenient Delivery Saver plan and benefit from festive priority slot bookings.
“Delivery Saver plans not only give you early access to slots this Christmas, but they can also save you an amazing £176 a year on delivery or collection fees.”
Last month, Tesco unveiled its Christmas food range, so we put it to the test.
Tesco shoppers can also snap up toys for Christmas until November 3 across 270 stores, with up to 50% off and prices from £3.
How does Tesco’s delivery pass work?
Delivery passes allow you to pay a flat fee either monthly, yearly or six monthly, and then get your deliveries for free.
If you’re a regular online shopper, this could be a way of reducing costs.
You should only consider taking out a delivery pass if you order groceries online regularly and if you think it will save you money in the long term.
An anytime delivery plan costs £7.99 per month for 12 months and gives priority access to click and collect slots and Christmas home delivery.
You can also pay an upfront fee of £47.88 if you don’t want to pay monthly.
The supermarket’s anytime click and collect plan, priced at £2.49 a month for six months, gives priority access to click and collect Christmas slots.
If you pay for the six months upfront, this works out at £14.94.
The supermarket’s off-peak delivery plan (which costs between £3.99 and £4.99 a month) doesn’t offer priority access to Christmas delivery slots.
Why are Christmas bits out earlier this year?
IT often feels like Christmas decorations and products start appearing in stores earlier each year.
Retailers typically begin to stock Christmas items well before the holiday season to capitalise on early shoppers and to extend the buying period.
Here are a few reasons why it might seem like Christmas bits are out earlier this year:
Extended Shopping Season
Retailers aim to extend the holiday shopping season to maximise sales. By putting out Christmas items earlier, they encourage people to start their holiday shopping sooner.
Consumer Demand
Some consumers prefer to plan and shop for Christmas well in advance, so stores cater to this demand by stocking holiday items earlier.
Marketing Strategy
Early displays of Christmas items can create a festive atmosphere and build anticipation, encouraging people to get into the holiday spirit and start spending.
Competition
Retailers compete to attract customers, and being the first to display holiday items can give them an edge.
Supply Chain Considerations
Given recent disruptions in global supply chains, stores might be putting out Christmas items earlier to ensure they have enough stock and to spread out the demand over a longer period.
When are other supermarkets opening their Christmas slots?
Ocado announced its Christmas delivery slot booking dates at the end of September.
Shoppers are being told to “look out” for an email or SMS alerting them the day before they can book their festive delivery.
The retail giant will make over one million home delivery and click-and-collect slots available from December 20 to December 24.
Morrisons has already started taking Christmas delivery bookings this month.
Delivery pass customers have been able to book their slots since October 2.
However, customers without a delivery pass can book slots starting tomorrow (October 9).
Iceland confirmed that delivery slots for Christmas will be made available to customers six days prior to the delivery date.
M&S shoppers who use its food-to-order service have been able to book and pay for their Christmas dinner collection since September 24.
Money-Saving Tips from Gemma Bird: Save £2k Before Christmas
IF youre' looking to save cash, you've come to the right place, as here, Gemma Bird has shared her top tips that'll save you £2k before Christmas.
- Set a budget: Track your spending and create a realistic budget.
- Cut unnecessary costs: Cancel unused subscriptions and avoid impulse buys.
- Meal planning: Plan meals to reduce grocery bills and avoid takeaways.
- Sell unwanted items: Declutter and sell items online for extra cash.
- Cashback and discounts: Use cashback sites and hunt for discount codes.
- DIY gifts: Make personalised gifts to save money and add a personal touch.
- Pick up a seasonal shift: A really easy way to pick up a bit of extra cash in the winter is to find yourself some seasonal work.
Follow these practical tips from Gemma Bird to boost your savings before the festive season!