Lidl to shut nearly 1000 stores for three days this Christmas

Christmas is just a little over a month away now and I'm sure we're all very excited for the special day to finally arrive.

Many of us will be feeling the festive spirit as we prepare to spend some well-deserved time off this winter to spend time with our loved ones, friends and families.

And it seems Lidl is following suit as the major UK supermarket is set to shut nearly 1000 stores for three days over the Christmas period.

Any Lidl lovers will have to sort their Crimbo shopping ahead of time as the chain will close the doors of its 960 UK stores on Christmas Day and New Year's Day.

Some stores will also be closed on Boxing Day, too.

So, be sure to plan your discount pigs in blankets buying and Prosecco purchasing before those days come about.

Lidl informs customers: "For those that want to avoid the Christmas crowds, last year’s data showed that the busiest times in store were around midday, with the highest levels of footfall being recorded between 12pm and 2pm.

"Customers who want to miss the midday rush should instead opt to shop between 8am and 10am, or 6pm onwards, which Lidl data showed to be the quietest times in store.

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"The Friday before Christmas historically sees the most footfall and Lidl expects the same trend this year, with Friday 22nd December gearing up to be the busiest day."

It adds: "With opening times varying across its shops, customers are encouraged to check the timings for their local Lidl on its online store finder."

In other Lidl-related news, the retailer has had to urgently recall its chocolate bars and issued 'do not eat' warning to customers.

Fin Carre White Chocolate has been taken off shelves at the supermarket and urgently recalled over fears the product could contain small pieces of plastic.

The FSA have issued a warning over the product, writing: "This product may contain pieces of plastic which makes it unsafe to eat."

It has even offered advice for anyone who has purchased the chocolate, adding: "If you have bought the above product do not eat it. Instead, return it to the store from where it was bought for a full refund."

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The reason for the recall is 'potential presence of foreign bodies which may present a choking hazard', officials said.

An FSA spokesperson said: "Lidl GB is recalling Fin Carré White Chocolate because it may contain pieces of plastic.

"The possible presence of plastic makes this product unsafe to eat."

If you're worried you may have been affected, look out for any Fin Carre White Chocolate with a best before date of October 16, 2024.

Lidl has since apologised for the inconvenience, stating: "Any customers with queries or concerns can contact Lidl Customer Services on 0203 966 5566 or [email protected]."

Tyla has reached out to Lidl for comment.