Store set to trial ‘slow shopping’

A SUPERMARKET is introducing a weekly “Slow Shopping” session to help elderly or vulnerable customers.

The Sainsbury’s store in Gosforth, Newcastle, will have staff on hand to greet people and help with their shopping, as well as putting out chairs at the end of aisles.

The trial, to run every Tuesday between 1pm and 3pm, will also see two help desks set up offering free samples of fruit, biscuits and cake.

Katherine Vero, founder of Slow Shopping, came up with the idea after finding it difficult to go shopping with her mother after she developed dementia.

She said: “My mum used to love shopping, but as her dementia developed it became increasingly difficult and stressful for us both.

“After she passed away, I was inspired to come up with the idea of Slow Shopping and was delighted when Sainsbury’s agreed to help me trial it. I hope other retailers will follow.”