I shop about every 10 days at my large Tesco about 5 miles away for myself and partner (64 and 79), two elderly neighbours and my 98 year old mother who lives in a block of sheltered housing flats. I used to enjoy food shopping but not any more. Indeed, I am finding it very stressful. I usually shop around twice a week but will limit this to as little as possible when this horrible virus is over.
My last experience at Tesco was horrible. I queued (along with everyone else) and when I reached no. 2 in the queue I suggested (very politely I might add) that it may be better, to comply with social distancing, to restrict entry to the store to only one person, as I witnessed that there were a lot of couples in the queue - obviously stating that people with children who had to accompany them or vulnerable people were exempt). She then shouted at me in a very loud voice - “Yeah, like people will take any notice, people turn up any time, taking up slots for the NHS/elderly” etc.). I tried to reason with her and agreed that some people were being selfish and that perhaps that Tesco should challenge such people and ask for ID), but she waved me on, and indeed I did move quickly when was told to, as in no way did I want to hold up the queue or to be seen to be argumentative. When I got to the no. 1 slot, the assistant letting people into the store shouted loudly “WAIT! ” I could only assume that she thought I was arguing with her colleague. The whole experience was horrible.
I know supermarket workers are doing a marvellous job, putting themselves and their families in the front line to feed us all, but give some people a “yellow” jacket and a radio they seem to turn into a mini Hitler. I hasten to add that when I went to M&S round the corner for my mum’s ready meals, as it was on the way - it was a totally different experience. Yes, we had to keep our distance but the staff, from the people organising the queue to the checkout operators, were lovely. I think when this whole thing is over it may change the way how (and where) we shop in the future. I know I will.
I only mentioned this to the queue supervisor at Tesco, as the last time I shopped, there was a group of 3 people (mother and 2 girls) - all over the age of at least 16 arguing about whether they preferred frozen chips to waffles. I had to wait several minutes to get to the freezer cabinet whilst they continued their argument. Why on earth were they all allowed to enter the store?
The whole point of social distancing is just that - keep as few people in one place as possible. I am witnessing that some couples/families (mainly younger ones) are treating an essential grocery shop as a social outing.
I came away last week quite upset about the whole experience.
PS I did email the Chief Executive at Tesco with a suggestion, where possible obviously, to only allow one person to enter the store per household. I got a reply (obviously from their marketing team, not the man himself) saying they were doing everything they could. Yes, the queue system and a one way system is good, but why on earth allow couples and families in (where it isn’t necessary). Sorry - rant over!
not parents ,around the store.