During last week’s intense heatwave, shoppers at a Lidl store in Somerset endured long queues in hopes of purchasing air conditioning units, only to discover none were in stock. Customers had been led to believe that Middle of Lidl promotional items, including air conditioners, were available at the Wincanton branch, but many were left frustrated and disappointed.
Zoe Rooney, a shopper from Yeovil, shared a photo capturing the crowd lined up well before the store opened on Friday, June 26. Arriving at 7:10 a.m. — nearly 50 minutes prior to the 8 a.m. opening — Zoe was first in line. However, just five minutes before opening, a staff member informed the waiting customers that no air conditioning units had been delivered to the store.
Zoe expressed her frustration: “We rushed inside at 8:05, searching everywhere, but there was nothing. Staff claimed there was no delivery. The website had shown the items as in stock, so customers queued in sweltering heat for nothing.”
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She added, “Staff could have informed us earlier to save us from waiting in the heat. Accurate information from stock checkers would have prevented this disappointment. Customers were eager to buy, but the stock simply wasn’t there.”
Responding to the situation, Lidl issued an apology to affected customers. A spokesperson stated, “Our Middle of Lidl promotions aim to offer customers high-quality products at great value. While we strive to maintain adequate stock, items are only available while supplies last. We regret that some customers missed out on this occasion.”