Supermarkets issue a plea to customers to ‘shop normally’

SUPERMARKET bosses are pleading with customers to “shop normally” in the wake of people panic-buying as coronavirus cases rise.

Mike Coupe, CEO at Sainsbury’s, has called for people to “shop just for the food that we and our families need”.

He reassured customers that if everyone does that, then there will be plenty of everything to go around.

His email, sent out to Sainsbury’s customers, came after shelves were stripped bare by mass panic buying on Saturday in response to the coronavirus pandemic.

Shoppers have started stockpiling in-demand items such as loo roll, hand gel, anti-bacterial spray, pasta and tinned goods.

While retailers are currently working “round the clock” to help customers get the items they need, many have been forced to implement restrictions on certain products.

Mr Coupe said: “Due to the ongoing uncertainty around the full impact of coronavirus, supermarkets have been much busier than usual and customers are choosing to stock.

“I wanted to personally reassure you that we have more food and other essential items coming to us from manufacturers and into our warehouses and distribution centers.

“If we all shop just for the food that we and our families need, there will be enough for everyone.”

He added that Sainsbury’s has ordered more stock of essential items from its suppliers, put more capacity into its warehouses and set limits on a small number of items, including some cleaning products, soap and pain relief.

“This is a precautionary measure – if everyone shops normally, there will be enough for everyone,” he added.

“We have new stock arriving regularly and we’re doing our best to keep shelves stocked. Our store colleagues are working tirelessly and doing the best job they can.

“Which brings me on to a request. Please think before you buy and only buy what you and your family need.

If we all do this then we can make sure we have enough for everyone. And please help elderly and vulnerable friends, family and neighbours with their shopping if you can.”

The supermarket will be setting a limit of five units per customer on a small number of products such as hand wash, toilet rolls and household cleaners.

Elsewhere, Aldi, Asda, Teso, Sainsbury’s, Waitrose and Morrisons have all placed restrictions on certain products to stop shoppers stockpiling.

All the major supermarkets signed a letter written by the British Retail Consortium on Saturday night, asking their customers for their help.

The letter states: “We understand your concerns but buying more than is needed can sometimes mean that others will be left without. There is enough for everyone if we all work together.”

Aldi has restricted all items in its store to four units, which it said had been “widely praised” but added: “We need your help too.”

In a post addressed to “our customers”, the discount chain said: “We know that many of you are worried about the spread of coronavirus (Covid-19).

“We want to let you know that we are doing everything we can so that you and your families have the food and essentials you need.

“We are working closely with the Government and our suppliers to keep food moving quickly through the system and making more deliveries to our stores to ensure our shelves are stocked.

“Those of us with online delivery and click-and-collect services are running them at full capacity to help you get the products you need when you need them.

“We thank all our colleagues in stores and supply chains who are working day and night to keep the nation fed. But we need your help too. We would ask everyone to be considerate in the way they shop.

“We understand your concerns but buying more than is needed can sometimes mean that others will be left without. There is enough for everyone if we all work together.

“Together we can make sure we are looking out for family, friends, neighbours. Together we will care for those around us and those who are elderly, vulnerable or choosing to remain at home. We are doing all we can to rise to this challenge. Serving you and keeping you and everyone who works with us safe will always be our priority.”

In Tesco milk, pastas and anti-bacterial wipes all have a five-item maximum on the number people can buy.