Supermarkets are doing everything they can to make sure that customers can still access groceries that they need. With new shopping rules, updated delivery slots and buying limits, here are all the new restrictions implemented by Tesco, Aldi, Morrisons, Asda and Sainsbury’s.
Aldi
The majority of Aldi stores have returned to normal opening hours, with restricted hours on a Sunday.
In a recent letter to customers, Aldi CEO, Giles Hurley, reassured customers that the discount retailer is doing everything they can to help customers through this time.
He said: “The majority of our stores are open from 8am-10pm every day (Sundays 10am-4pm) and our amazing colleagues are on hand to help you shop safely and find everything you need in store.
“Our shelves are fully-stocked and every Aldi store gets regular deliveries, at least once a day. There’s no need to buy more than normal, so please shop considerately.”
Vulnerable and elderly customers can also gain priority access everyday between Monday and Saturday and NHS and social care workers can make use of the priority shopping on Sunday mornings.
Customers can also get their groceries delivered via their new Click & Collect service or through food ordering app Deliveroo.
The discount food store was one of the first retailers to install the traffic light system back in the peak of the pandemic and this is still in use at the majority of Aldi stores to help manage the flow of customers in and out of the store.
Morrisons
Morrisons is currently experiencing high demand for delivery slots and recommends customers booking as far in advance as possible.
A statement on their website reads: “The website shows all delivery slots available – unfortunately, there are no further options or slots other than those shown.”
They have also extended their home delivery service so that customers can get groceries at the time they need.
The statement continued: “We’re introducing temporary purchase limits on products where there is high demand, so they remain available for longer for more customers to buy.”
With England in its second lockdown, the supermarket is limiting the amount of customers allowed in-store at any one time.
This means customers may experience queues when visiting at peak times.
However the supermarket is letting those with a basket skip the queues in order to help them complete their small food shop a lot quicker.
Asda
Supermarket giant Asda has updated its opening hours on some of its larger stores.
Some of their stores are now open 24 hours to help customers shop for groceries at quieter times.
They have also applied a protective coating to all of their basket and trolley handles, creating an antimicrobial surface that limits the spread of the bacteria.
To help ensure customers are sticking to the guidelines, 1,000 safety marshals have been introduced at the entrances of Asda stores to make sure customers are wearing face coverings and maintaining social distancing when shopping.
Customers who don’t have a face covering when they enter the store will be offered a pack of disposable masks that they can pay for as they complete their shopping.
They have also had to make some temporary changes to their online delivery system due to the current levels of demand.
A statement on their website reads: “To ensure there is enough for everyone, we will occasionally place purchase limits on certain products that are high in demand.
“Please shop responsibly so that there’s enough to go round. You can help by only amending your order once and only if urgent. We have plenty of stock coming in but we need to manage demand so we can serve everyone.”
The supermarket has also rolled out ‘Scan and Go’ mobile in all of their supermarkets to help reduce contact in stores.
Customers can use their own device to scan their shopping and pack as they go round.
Sainsbury’s
Sainsbury’s recently updated their shopping rules and is now only allowing one person per household to enter the food store.
This will help the aisles stay clear and help the flow of customers in and out of the shop.
Customers now have access to more delivery slots as they have increased the number of home delivery and Click & Collect slots available.
The supermarket giant is also letting NHS and care workers with an NHS ID badge priority access to the store.
They can skip the queue at any time to help them complete their shopping more quickly.
Sainsbury’s continues to encourage shoppers to only shop for the groceries they need, explaining that they have a good supply of stock coming into stores.