Aldi Stores Experience Chaos as Shoppers Fight Over £150 Pilates Machines

Aldi's launch of a £150 Reformer Pilates machine has sparked chaotic scenes across UK stores as customers scrambled to purchase the highly sought-after fitness equipment, which typically costs thousands of pounds. Viral videos from London show shoppers fighting, grappling for boxes, and even sitting on the machines to reserve them, leading to three-hour queues and ticketing systems in some locations. The product, popularized by celebrities like Jennifer Aniston and Margot Robbie, offers five adjustable resistance levels and foldable design, making professional-grade Pilates more affordable. Due to overwhelming demand, many units sold out rapidly, prompting some buyers to resell the machines on platforms like eBay for up to three times the retail price. Shoppers and onlookers expressed disbelief at the aggressive behavior, with remarks such as "This is not happening" and "This is f***ing ridiculous" heard in footage capturing the chaos. Aldi acknowledged the high demand and apologized to customers unable to purchase the item.