As supermarkets prepare to close for Christmas Day, shoppers can grab last-minute discounts on perishables and Christmassy foods.
Savings expert Anita Naik, at VoucherCodes.co.uk, emphasised that timing is of the essence when it comes to securing a great deal.
Starting with M&S, the best time to secure a yellow sticker bargain is at 3pm. Anita said: “M&S keeps it simple but strategic, with stores reducing items about an hour before closing.
“On Christmas Eve, that means arriving at 3pm to snag the best bargains before stores close at 4pm.”
And for those who live close enough to quickly nip into the shop, M&S offer “mega bargains” in the final 30 minutes before closing time.
Moving on to Tesco, there are three waves to catch yellow sticker bargains – 10am, 2pm, and 7pm.
“or the biggest bargains, head to Tesco an hour before closing,” said Anita. “Depending on your local store, on Christmas Eve, this will be 6pm or 7pm.”
As for Morrisons, Anita said: “Morrisons usually applies its first reductions as soon as stores open, and saves a final further markdown for the evening.
“With Christmas Eve hours closing at 4pm, the best deals are likely to pop up around 3pm.”
In Sainsbury’s, the best Christmassy bargains are at 2pm and 6pm; and Asda do discounts three times throughout the day.
Anita elaborated: “Asda’s reductions follow a three-tier system: the first in the morning, a second midday, and a final round of markdowns around 7pm.
“On Christmas Eve, plan your shop for 6pm to catch the best deals, especially on fresh fruit and veg, which can drop as low as 10p.”
As for the most budget supermarkets, Aldi and Lidl, both have great reductions at 8am.
“However, unlike Lidl, Aldi uses red stickers to highlight its discounted products,” Anita revealed.
Both supermarkets also do discounts in the evenings – Lidl for 4pm to 5pm; Adli for 5pm.
Best time to secure a supermarket bargain
- Aldi – 5pm
- Lidl – 4pm-5pm
- Asda – 6pm
- M&S – 3pm
- Morrisons – 3pm
- Sainsbury’s – 6pm
- Tesco – 6pm-7pm
