Major supermarket reveals how you can secure a Christmas delivery slot – including how to get early access
A SUPERMARKET has revealed when shoppers will be able to book a Christmas delivery slot and it’s earlier than you think.
Ocado shoppers who are already thinking about Christmas preparations will be able to pre-book their Christmas food delivery from next week.
Ocado Smart Pass holders will be able to bag a Christmas slot delivery or click-and-collect slot.
Shoppers are being told to “look out” for an email or SMS which will alert them the day before they can book their festive delivery.
Smart Pass Holders pay a set fee either monthly or annually to get free delivery slots, seven days a week.
The retail giant will be making over one million home delivery and click-and-collect slots available on the week of December 20 to December 24.
Non-Smart Pass Holders will have to wait a little longer for general access becomes available, which is usually the following week.
The retailer also detailed that slots over Christmas week have a minimum spend of £90.
You can edit your order as many times as you like before the cut off, which will be at 11.30pm two nights before.
Last year, Ocado saw a 7% increase in sales as it sold over 90% of peak Christmas slots released between December 22 and December 24.
This year the supermarket warned: “Christmas slots fill up early.
“We recommend you book your slot as soon as you’re notified that slots are available for booking.”
Is it too late to get early access?
Unfortunately, Ocado specify on their website that only Smart Pass customers who signed up on or before 1st September 2024 can get early access to early release.
However, we recommend you keep a keen eye on the site, so that you can still make it in time for the general launch.
We expect this will happen a week after early release – so you can nab a head start.
To pre-book or become a Smart Pass member, go to the Ocado website or apply via the app.
However, don’t purchase a Smart Pass if you’re not a regular online shopper with Ocado.
The membership is a monthly expense which won’t save you money if you’re just buying it for early access schemes and not making use of the free delivery.
Who else can I pre-book with?
No other major supermarkets have confirmed their dates yet, but this is what we know.
Last year, Asda allowed pre-bookings for its delivery pass members from October, 3, and for non-members from October, 7 – so updates could be coming soon.
Sainsbury’s also launched for delivery pass members on October, 16, and non-members October, 23.
And Tesco began their click and collect bookings later in 2023, opening slots from November, 7 for Clubcard members and November, 22 for regular customers.
The Sun has reached out to the UK’s main supermarkets which are yet to comment, but we will keep readers posted with updates.
To be the first to find out about early festive slots, you could sign up to a loyalty plan – these often give you early access but you should only sign up if you know you will save money on its benefit schemes.
We recommend you spend some time comparing online, by browsing Christmas menus and prices on the retailers’ website.
You can also visit compare the market websites, which draw easy comparisons between product quality and prices.
Are the 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.
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