With Christmas just days away, many supermarkets have changed how they ask customers to shop. Tesco has urged those visiting branches to shop “as normal” when visiting branches. The retailer issued the advice following fears the UK food supply chain will be impacted by travel bans.
Shoppers have been asked not to panic buy or stockpile food items.
In an email from Tesco UK CEO Jason Tarry, he explained there are some buying restrictions to help the supply of food.
The message said: “We have some temporary purchasing limits on certain essential products to help all customers have access to these products.”
The retailer first introduced buying limits early during the coronavirus pandemic.
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Many of these still remain in place for those visiting stores and buying online.
“Early in the covid-19 pandemic we introduced limits on a small number of items to ensure everyone can get what they need at a busy time,” a statement explained.
“In stores, there is a three items per customer limit for flour, dried pasta, baby wipes, and anti-bacterial wipes. There are additional limits for some products online, such as rice and soup.”
Eggs, rice, soap and hand wash are limited to three per shop.
The supermarket giant has also restricted buying toilet roll to one pack per person.
In his email, Jason Tarry also said there have been measures put in place to ensure everyone can shop safely.
The supermarket giant has increased the number of delivery slots available in the UK.
“Since March, we have more than doubled home delivery and click and collect slots to 1.5 million a week, with over 760,000 vulnerable customers registered with us who are eligible for priority slots,” he stated.
“The majority of our Christmas slots are now booked up. If you have a slot but are able to shop in-store, please do.
“This’ll help free up slots for those who need them most.”
Many stores opening hours are extended until Christmas Eve, with a selection of branches being open 24/7.
The message continued: “More than 300 of our larger stores are now open 24 hours a day until Christmas Eve, with many other stores extending their hours to be open from 5am.
“To help us manage the number of people in store, we’re strongly encouraging our customers to shop alone where possible.
“This is in line with government guidance and will help to reduce the time spent queueing and in-store, making it safer for all our customers and colleagues.”