The high street retailer has pushed the button to become the earliest food shop on the high street for shoppers keen to buy their Christmas dinner essentials and Colin the Caterpillar has a new look to celebrate
It might not even be the end of September, but for many shoppers today Christmas has finally begun. Marks and Spencer has not only revealed its entire Christmas food range this morning but also opened high-demand delivery slots in a surprise move which has seen shoppers rushing to secure the best slots.
For the second year in a row, it has broken its own record to launch their all-important shopping slots earlier than any other supermarket or food shop – last year it pushed the button three days later on September 27 – and they are expected to sell out quickly. Meanwhile, Tesco has confirmed their festive food to order will be available to browse from early October.
Shoppers keen to book M&S Christmas Food to Order can choose a collection date and time by paying a £50 deposit and choosing their initial items. Shoppers will have time to add things to their virtual basket before the order deadline, which last year was in November.
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Shoppers pay a £50 deposit once the slot has been booked, with the rest of the outstanding balance being paid when they collect the order from store. Collection in store is available between December 21 and 24.
When we checked online today, slots were available on December 22, 23 and 24 with early morning, afternoon and evening slots available right now, although this will depend on your store location and how quickly other shoppers sign up for their slot.
The sudden announcement took many shoppers by surprise, with posters on Mumsnet’s popular Christmas forum letting each other know the popular slots were available. Shoppers praised the new look Colin, who is riding a festive sleigh for 2024 and a host of new choices including a Wagyu beef pie and sausage roll garland. However several favourites from previous years have not returned, including Cornish cheese and a beef pie with marrow bone, causing disappointment to foodies.
One poster however summed up the early sign up date saying: “All booked already with a Christmas Eve pick-up slot. Can forget about Christmas for another couple of months now.”
The majority of M&S UK stores are taking part in the collection services and booking is free of charge. The range includes Christmas classics like turkey, pork, beef and vegetarian and fish dishes as well as desserts, starters and party food.
The full Christmas range is here and includes much-loved classics which have become festive traditions, including another holiday facelift for Colin the Caterpillar (£15) as well as new and stunning looking options like this Christmas Cabin cake (£25).
Meanwhile, air fryer friendly party food is back for a second year, and some of the sweet treats and snacks are already available in stores, including the brand’s Very Jelly Munch and Very Merry Munch sweet tins.