Shopping stress? Try yoga at Waitrose

TILL queues, screaming children, the hunt for parking... if only there was a way to take the stress out of shopping.

Now there is – yoga. Waitrose customers will soon be able to nourish their bodies and minds at the grocery chain by learning the exercise regime in stores.

At a time when more and more Britons switch to shopping online, high streets retailers are desperate to put some theatre into the experience. Waitrose has already expanded beyond the traditional concept of a supermarket to offer wine bars, sushi bars and even fine dining in some outlets.

Its sister brand John lewis has allowed a few customers to have a store sleepover to properly experience its products, from beds to dining tables. Yoga, with its emphasis on physical and spiritual well-being, represents an antidote to the potential stress and hassle of a normal trip to the supermarket.

A trial will begin at three stores next week – in Basingstoke, Hampshire, Banbury in Oxfordshire and Newbury in Berkshire. If it proves a success the idea could be expanded to Waitrose’s 353 outlets.

But don’t worry about having to watch other shoppers contorting themselves in the aisles – the classes will be held in private rooms or cafes which are closed to customers.

Classes will be suitable for all levels – from beginners to advanced yogis – and cost £7 a time or £35 for six sessions. One-hour sessions will take place between Monday and Wednesday from 7.15pm and will be run by local, qualified yoga professionals who are fully-certified to practise and teach the exercise technique.

Senior yoga teacher Sam Rao, whose Berkshire-based school is running the classes, said: ‘Yoga works the whole body and is a discipline for all. Stretching and working the muscles has always been associated with releasing stress both in the body and the mind, leading to good health.

‘My recommendation is to eat well and move well so yoga in a supermarket could be the perfect balance.’

Moira Howie, nutrition manager at Waitrose, said ‘overall well-being’ is now increasingly important to customers.