Ocado is opening its Christmas slots this week with customers being sent text

26 September 2023 , 13:48

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Ocado delivery slots will be available from this week (Image: SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images)

Ocado is opening its first round of Christmas delivery slots this week - with customers urged to keep an eye out for an email or text.

The online grocery retailer confirmed to The Mirror that it will stagger the release of the slots, which are due to go live before the end of September. Ocado gave priority to its “Smart Pass” customers last year - we've asked if it will do the same this year.

Ocado also hasn’t revealed the dates its Christmas slots will cover - last year, shoppers could have their shop delivered between December 20 to 24. A spokesperson from Ocado said: "We always stagger the release of our festive slots and will begin rolling out this year's Christmas delivery slots from the end of September. We’ll send customers an email or SMS as soon as slots become available for them to book."

Other supermarkets have also started announcing their Christmas delivery and click and collect slots. Asda “Delivery Pass” members can book their slot from October 3, with all other customers able to book from October 10. Tesco “Anytime Delivery Saver” customers can lock in their delivery from November 7, and for all other shoppers, the date is November 21.

Sainsbury’s “Delivery Pass” shoppers can book from October 16, then regular customers follow from October 23. Morrisons “Delivery Pass” customers can reserve their delivery from October 18, with all other shoppers having to wait until the end of the month.

Easy way to get up to £35 off your supermarket shop at Morrisons, Ocado and more

Iceland and Waitrose have not yet revealed when their Christmas slots will go live. Marks and Spencer opened its Christmas Food to Order slots this morning. Unlike other supermarkets, the M&S food ordering service is a click and collect service for in store only.

If you're planning on booking a Christmas slot, you should do so as soon as possible as they tend to sell out quickly. Delivery slots have become increasingly popular in recent years following the coronavirus crisis.

But if you're able to visit a store in person, you'll save money on delivery fees. Always use a comparison website such as Trolley.co.uk to check prices before you shop.

Levi Winchester