Wales in Lockdown

Anniebach

Why should supermarkets sell goods that small shops sell but
have to close for two weeks.

I agree, Anniebach but why are small shops made to shut in an area where there are few cases and people were generally abiding by the rules??

EllanVannin

If everything is bought under the same roof I fail to see that it matters what you buy. I ignore " jobsworth " people at the best of times.

It's blocked off so you can't get to non-essentials, EllanVannin.

I don’t think alcohol and tobacco are essential. People won’t die if they don’t have them.

I've bought all my birthday cards for close family plus a selection of cards for work colleagues up until March 2021 because l was worried something like this would happen. People's mental health is going downhill as it is without it getting a card on your birthday. Don't see the logic of some of these restrictions

I was hoping during this time to move my little book shoo business online and away from the festivals and craft fairs/markets etc. Its not worked.
Christmas will be miserable.
Books and childrens entertainment during a lockdown are essential. I can see the gots don't want people dawdling around looking and trying to decide between makes and models of electrical items - however, if your cooker, fridge, washer breaks what are you supposed to do? These items are more essential than alcohol or call cigarettes but you can buy those freely because of taxation!

I work for franchise in large supermarket chain and the reasoning behind this is to stop essential outings. When lockdown happened in March supermarkets were only shops open folk came in there droves to browse and buy items that were not essential they treated it as a day out as there was no where else to go. We sold out of paint, towels books the list goes on. So I assume they learnt from the first time that it’s only way to stop it happening again.

If everything is bought under the same roof I fail to see that it matters what you buy. I ignore " jobsworth " people at the best of times.

You Welsh will all have to stick to the essentials then. I just read that includes Christmas crackers, an absolutely essential item to purchase at the end of October.

Im sure people can manage for two weeks, its not the end of the world is it? And if it brings the R rate down , surely its worth a try?

I drove to a large Asda during the last lockdown and there was a massive queue of cars waiting to get into the car park, most had several people in the car. I can only think that as everywhere was locked down a trip to Asda with the family was a social occasion and you could buy anything. Now that has been taken away and I imagine it is so just a quick trip to the shop or supermarket for essentials. It is only for a two weeks and if it brings down the number getting the virus so be it.

What difference , Amazon or a supermarket ?

Amazon will be the beneficiary of this. If you can’t buy stuff outside you can sit down and order stuff inside.

When I was a child the local stationer put all birthday cards away mid-November to make room for a display of Christmas cards. I rarely got birthday cards, as I am born at the end of November.

But it does seem odd that alchohol is essential and birthday cards, or other greeting cards are not.

I am just doing my Sainsbury’s online shopping. I have added 2 note books. This delivery comes from Swansea. Will I get them I wonder?

Why should supermarkets sell goods that small shops sell but
have to close for two weeks.

These were the rules in our local English supermarket back in March. The home and ware section including cards and clothes was taped off.

Callistemon I bought a lot of birthday cards from Amazon or ebay during lockdown. I still do buy them actually, because I limit my journeys to the shops. They usually come very quickly, within a few days. Hope that helps. And no, you’re not being unreasonable. Supermarkets were allowed to sell all their usual products during full lockdown so why not now in Wales? It’s crazy, I’ve seen the pictures of the aisles blocked off. It’s ridiculous!

It's important to understand why this is being done. If the supermarkets are allowed to continue to sell clothes, toys etc during lockdown they will very cynically offer flash sales and cut prices so that everyone does all their Christmas shopping, winter clothes shopping etc during the closure while small local shops have to close. The money then goes back into Mr Tesco, Asda etc pockets - not into the local economy. When the smaller local businesses reopen noone needs anything and they all go bust. It's only two weeks and it's necessary. I understand the Amazon issue and in part that's true. But in many very depressed communities in the South here internet shopping is not a "thing" because weekly pay, low incomes and a largely cash economy don't allow it . Sorry rant over. It does make sense.

I'm sure Gwent Police are on to it already, mary51

I just read online somewhere that the Glos police are unlikely to enforce penalties to people popping into Gwent as they don't have the manpower or the will perhaps. They are crazy rules for those living on the border.

I am so glad I bought some clothes for GC earlier this week as I prefer to see them instore.

I try to avoid buying from Amazon, and further filling their deep pockets. Yesterday I ordered an item I wanted from an EBay seller - it arrived this morning, and to my surprise was from Amazon! The cheeky Ebay Seller simply ordered it from Amazon on my behalf, making £1.78 for himself at the same time!

I think the idea is that people need to buy food and therefore need to go to supermarkets to get it, but shouldn't wander around looking at things that are not essential. You should be in a shop for the shortest amount of time just to buy the necessities. There are things that seem awkward and difficult but we all know what will keep us safe and that's what we should be doing.

I follow the reasoning that, if small shops have been forced to close, then supermarkets should not be allowed to sell those items.
But what is essential?

The online trade will benefit even more if this continues for longer than proposed and small shops may close for good.

I support the Welsh Government’s decision

I haven't been to any actual shops (apart from the pharmacy) since March, so I don't know what's being sold. I feel conflicted about Amazon and Tesco too.