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COVID-19 UPDATE
MULTS FACE NON-ESSENTIAL ITEMS CHALLENGE
SUPERMARKETS ARE FACING MASSIVE LOGISTICAL AND IN-STORECHALLENGES AS THEY ARE FORCED TO BLOCK OFF PARTS OFTHEIR STORES UNDER LOCKDOWN IN ENGLAND.
Supermarkets are facing tough decisions and challenges under the latest lockdown restrictions in England as they must block off parts of their stores following government advice.
The guidance said that, from 5 November, shops in England that have “sufficiently distinct parts” such as mezzanine levels were told they should close the areas selling non-essential items, often non-food products such as clothing or homewares.
The major supermarkets have all stated they are complying with regulations, although some are advising customers that staff can instead collect items from restricted areas on their behalf.
FOOD AND DRINK STORES SEE 50% INCREASE IN OCTOBER
THE LATEST BARCLAYCARD DATA SHOWS THAT CONSUMER SPENDINGDIPPED BY 0.1% IN OCTOBER AS HEIGHTENED RESTRICTIONS TOOKHOLD, BUT SPENDING IN FOOD AND DRINK STORES, INCLUDINGLOCAL RETAIL, SHOT UP BY OVER 50%.
Consumer spending declined 0.1% year on-year in October, as further restrictions and the arrival of colder weather encouraged Brits to stay at home and turn to online shopping. However, spending in food and drink specialist stores, which includes independent retail, increased by more than 50%. That’s according to the latest data from Barclaycard, which sees nearly half of the nation’s credit and debit card transactions.
Spending on essential items grew 4.2% YOY, driven largely by a 13.9% rise in supermarket expenditure – though this was the smallest increase in the category since February 2020.
Food and drink specialist stores however – including c-stores, butchers and greengrocers – rose by 50.7% as nearly half of shoppers (48%) looked to support local businesses.
A third (33%) of Brits say they are stockpiling essentials in preparation for potential shortages.
GROCERYAID CAN HELP
Mandi Leonard, GroceryAid Welfare Director, has re-issued the charity’s offer of help to anyone in the convenience and grocery industries who may be facing tough times during the pandemic. In an open letter Leonard highlighted the amazing work the sector has done but also encouraged everyone to take time for their mental wellbeing.
She said: “When you’re busy with work and trying to cope with new, unusual circumstances, it might not feel possible to take care of yourself. This may feel even more difficult if you
are working long hours or under a lot of pressure. But even doing small things for yourself can make a big difference to your mental wellbeing.
“As we face Lockdown 2.0 it’s important that everyone within your organisation is aware of the support available to them more than ever. Please remind them of all the services we are here to help with, ensuring your colleagues are aware of the ways GroceryAid can help.”
Find out more about how the charity can help you or your colleagues.
HARRY HELPS FIGHT HUNGER
The team has been making up packages for those who are struggling and have been supported by customers who have also made donations, in a bid to help local people in need. The 1,500sq ft store, which opened at the beginning of March just as the coronavirus outbreak hit, has quickly established a place in the community; the launch of the foodbank is in response to the support it has received.
The store is operated by the Ahmed family and owner Harry Ahmed says he wants to help locals in any way possible. He said: “We are very grateful to have our business here and to be doing well thanks to the support of the locals. We just wanted to help and give something back and we have seen how much some people are struggling right now. Nobody needs to feel embarrassed. We just ask that people contact us.”
LIDL TEAMS UP TO TACKLE HUNGER
Lidl has launched a ‘Teaming up to Tackle Hunger’ scheme which will allow customers to donate directly to their local community at the till by scanning a flyer with their smartphone – and Lidl will match every donation.
Customers can give between 35p and £2.45 by simply scanning the flyer when they pay for their shopping to donate one of five essential food items to their local communities – tuna, cereal, chopped tomatoes, milk and rice. Each donation will then be matched by Lidl and sent directly to the store’s local food partner.
BIG ISSUES
Big Issue North sellers in themidst of the second Englishlockdown are no longerpermitted to sell the magazine.This means that they are noteligible for furlough, and asthey cannot work from home,hundreds of homeless andvulnerably housed peopleare now without a source ofdesperately needed income.
CASH DEPOSIT SLUMP
Cash deposits by businessand personal customersat Post Office branches inOctober totalled £1.91bn, adrop of £92m compared withSeptember. The introductionof circuit breaks and tieredrestrictions in parts of the UKwere blamed for the fall.
ASSEMBLY BACKS USDAW
Retail trade union Usdaw haswelcomed London Assemblysupport for the union’sFreedom From Fear campaign.A successful motion expressedconcern about the level ofabuse and violence againstshopworkers and called on theGovernment to support TheAssaults on Retail Workers(Offences) Bill.
