Aldi’s Johnnie Walker deal sparks customer fury

Supermarket Aldi’s decision to slash the price of a AU$599 bottle of Johnnie Walker whisky by AU$200 has angered buyers who missed out on the bargain.

Discount supermarket Aldi slashed the online price of Johnnie Walker Blue Label King George V by AU$200

The discount supermarket reduced the cost of the 750ml bottle of Johnnie Walker Blue Label King George V whisky in an online-only special offer that was quickly matched by Dan Murphy’s, due to its “lowest price guaranteed” policy.

However, the price drop sparked an “unprecedented” response from whisky enthusiasts, resulting in disappointment for many buyers who missed out on the offer when stocks soon sold out.

Executive Style reported receiving a number of emails and Tweets from frustrated readers who were unable to get their hands on the bargain, which allegedly was meant to start on Saturday but launched early on Friday afternoon.

One reader’s email to Executive Style said: “This was a scam. Aldi’s online site had sold out from the time the ad appeared, and Dan Murphy followed suit. Cheap stunt from a cheap store.”

Before the sale went live Aldi said it was “confident that we have enough stock on hand to meet the demands of our customers”.

Sold out

A spokesman for Aldi admitted the supermarket had underestimated the “unprecedented” enthusiasm with which customers flocked to the site to purchase the super-premium whisky, but confirmed it sold “over 100 bottles” before stock ran out.

“Based on previous sales of similar products, we were confident we would have the supply to meet our…shoppers’ demand,” said the spokesman.

“However, in this particular case, sales of the premium, high-quality whisky were unprecedented with significantly more interest than anticipated. We sold over 100 bottles and the product sold out within 24 hours.

“Since we opened in 2001, our business model includes a range of everyday products and special buy items. The special buy items are only available until sold out.”

Complaints were also made regarding Dan Murphy’s with reports the portal would not allow customers to add the Johnnie Walker bottle to their shopping carts and that later it was marked as sold out.

A spokesman for Dan Murphy’s said the company had stuck by its lowest-price commitment until it had sold out of the Johnnie Walker expression.

“We stock a limited amount of this premium whisky,’ the spokesman commented. “Once we sold out, the online system behaved accordingly by not letting customers proceed with their purchase.

“As the offer was only available online, some customers unfortunately missed out on this special offer.”