Both stores assured customers the middle isles will make a return when restrictions are eased.
Aldi and Lidl have confirmed they have postponed all non-essential products in their store.
All non-essential products currently on sale in the ‘middle aisles’ of their Irish stores have also been removed.
The move comes following pressure from the government and fears from business leaders the sale of non-essential items could spark a campaign of disobedience of restrictions from other stores.
Tánaiste and Minister for Business Leo Varadkar had warned big supermarkets against “not lawful” practices and said that Gardaí would enforce the regulations outlawing the sale of non-essential items.
Commenting on the decision, Niall O’Connor, Aldi Group Managing Director, said: “Irish families have relied on Aldi for their groceries and other essential household items over the past eight months.
“Ensuring our customers can continue to do so comfortably and safely is our number one priority.
“While we understand customers may be disappointed that they will not be able to purchase previously advertised Specialbuy offers at this time, I would like to thank them for their understanding and patience.
“We are working hard to reschedule these fantastic products once restrictions are lifted to ensure everyone can get everything they need for Christmas in Aldi.”
“We will continue to ensure our award winning range of essential products is available to all our customers, and this will not affect our plans to deliver the Amazing Aldi Irish Christmas that all of our customers deserve.”
In a statement, a Lidl spokesperson said: “Since the Government’s announcement outlining the new Level 5 restrictions, we have taken a number of steps to ensure we are fully compliant with the new regulations.
“We immediately cancelled the advertisement of all non-essential items and removed these items from our website.”
However, the retailer warned that some of the items will still appear in their weekly leaflets which it said were printed weeks in advance.
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