With Christmas just under two weeks away, the daunting task of the Christmas food shop is fast approaching for many households. While gift shopping can be enjoyed throughout the year, timing your festive food shop is key.
To make the process less stressful, Fred Harrington, CEO of Coupon Mister, has outlined the ultimate strategy to make your Christmas food shop feel more manageable. Shopping at times when the shelves are fully stocked and easy to navigate means more choice, which can help you stay on budget.
Experts recommend Thursday, December 19, and Friday, December 20, as the best times to visit the supermarkets. During these days, the stores will be quieter, and shelves will still be well-stocked, so you won’t have to scramble for the last packet of pigs in blankets.
Knowing the right time to shop is the secret weapon that separates seasoned shoppers from the stressed-out crowd. Choose the right days, and you could glide through half-empty aisles, but get it wrong, and it’s a jungle out there.
When are the best days to do your Christmas food shop?
“According to the experts, Wednesday and Thursday are the prime days for discounts, so Thursday the 19th could be the perfect time,” says Fred. “Stores often restock and roll out fresh deals midweek, giving you the chance to save on everything from pantry staples to festive treats.”
For non perishable items or anything that can be kept in the freezer, Monday, December 16 is a good time to go out and grab them.
“On Monday the 16th, you can stock up on the essentials with plenty of time to spare,” says Fred. “Pop your turkey and other perishables in the freezer, and you’ll be laughing all the way to the big day.”
What is the best time of day to shop?
To make your shopping experience even less stressful, showing up as soon as the store opens is your best bet. The shelves are freshly stocked and the crowds haven’t rolled in yet, so you’ll have first dibs on everything.
Another way to beat the crowds is to take advantage of a store’s seasonal late opening hours. Most supermarkets will have extended opening hours to cope with the rush at Christmas time. with some even staying open 24 hours a day.
Shopping later in the day is also a good time to pick up marked-down items to pop in the freezer. Fred said: “My top tip is to grab a few extra loaves for Boxing Day sandwiches”
Where is best place to shop?
According to Which? magazine, Aldi has been named the best supermarket for Christmas food shopping for the second consecutive year.
In a survey of over 8,000 Which? members, Aldi scored an impressive 84%, outperforming Marks and Spencer (82%), Waitrose (80%), and Lidl (78%). Participants rated the quality, taste, and value for money of their Christmas food purchases, as well as how likely they were to recommend the supermarket to others.
Days to avoid Christmas food shopping
It’s tempting to leave things until the last minute, but if you want to avoid the worst of the madness, steer clear of the final Saturday before Christmas, December 21 and the midday rush on Christmas Eve. The aisles will be heaving and the shelves will probably be empty anyway.
“Saturday shoppers mean long queues and less stock, while Christmas Eve brings a madcap last-minute rush,” says Fred. “The 23rd might be a little quieter, but not by much. You’re better off going shopping the week before than risking it in the final hour.”
Final tips for a stress-free shop
Fred shared some more top tips to make that last Christmas shop less of a chore:
Preparation is key:
-
Start with a clear, written list divided into sections (e.g., fresh produce, pantry items, speciality treats).
- A well-organised list makes navigating the store easier and prevents impulse purchases.
- Planning ahead ensures you stay roughly within your budget before stepping into the store.
Delegate tasks:
- Involve family or friends to share the workload.
- Assign specific shopping tasks to make the process more manageable.
Don’t shop hangry:
- Eat before shopping to make better decisions and avoid overbuying unnecessary items.