Aldi has been accused of “terrible customer service” by shoppers outraged at its shortage of “Squishmallows”.
The cuddly toys, which have a cult following on TikTok, exploded in popularity during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Around 73 million had been sold worldwide as of March this year.
Aldi attempted to cash in on the viral trend this month by revealing, via TikTok, a range of Halloween Squishmallows.
READ MORE: Aldi fends off rivals to claim cheapest supermarket top spot
Numerous people allege the discounter said werewolf, vampire and grim reaper toys would be in stock from October 14.
However, they were left empty-handed yesterday as Aldi delayed the release without an announcement.
“This is ridiculous,” a dismayed customer said.
“The sheer amount of people you have disappointed with your Squishmallow release today is beyond words.”
Another claimed “none of the stores anywhere have them” and condemned the “absolute shambles”.
One woman said she had seen “kids this morning upset” outside a store.
@AldiUK this is ridiculous, the sheer amount of people you have disappointed with your squishmallow release today is beyond words.
Also posting a tiktok yesterday saying they will be in stock today when you knew there was a delay is just terrible customer service.— 𝕷𝖆𝖚𝖗𝖊𝖓 𝕲𝖆𝖗𝖓𝖊𝖙𝖙 (@_sad_goth_) October 14, 2021
@AldiUK can you please tell me why aldi uk posted a tiktok saying halloween squishmallows are in store today when there’s clearly been an absolute shambles and none of the stores anywhere have them?
— lo ₍ ᐢ. ̫ .ᐢ ₎ (@cwunchybun) October 14, 2021
Will this get updated to that date? I seen a group of kids this morning upset as they must have got up early to get them. All the Squishmallow fans are asking is for information. Last night a post stating delaying until [date] would have sufficed. #stressedparent
— Nix (@MissNikkiSwan) October 14, 2021
Some fans even resorted to touring round different Aldis in the hope of picking up the toys.
“Went to four different stores today for the Squishmallows!” one Twitter user announced.
“None in store, when will they be?”
“I’ve been to four local stores this morning, none of the Halloween Squishmallows have been delivered today,” a shopper from Glamorgan said.
@AldiUK went to 4 different stores today for the squishmallows! None in store, when will they be??
— Emma rawlings (@emmasg87) October 14, 2021
@AldiUK I've been to 4 local stores this morning, none of the Halloween Squishmallows have been delivered today. My location is CF46, can you tell me if any stores within 25 mile radius have any stock please.
— Kaz Wright (@K4Kaz) October 14, 2021
@AldiUK Do you know what happened to the Halloween Squishmallows? They were supposed to come in today but I couldn't find any in 2 stores ☹️
— I🦞 (@xispyx) October 14, 2021
Aldi admitted on Twitter that its Halloween Squishmallows had “been delayed due to unforeseen circumstances”.
It apologised to customers and hopes to have the toy in stock from October 23.
Aldi has been approached for comment.
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1 Comment. Leave new
Consumerism at it’s worst. But it’s not a great look for Aldi.