Supermarkets - the Megathread

paleoperson · 05-04-2020 08:55PM

seanl77 wrote: »

The store I work in started 5 temporary staff Friday evening, and have 2 extra vans on the road. As for "industry insiders".... I'm actually laughing at the stupidity of it!! Feel free to shop elsewhere, I get the feeling you are the sort of customer that any store could do without!
Anyway, I'm off to bed, very early start in the morning for obvious reasons....

I actually had his post thanked at first for a few seconds because I thought he was going to talk about the problem of lack of sanitizers, but quickly removed it when I saw what he was going on about. It's a ridiculous post. Dunnes don't even offer online grocery shopping and Supervalu has closed new registrations. Other store chains are similar.

05-04-2020 09:11PM

ShineOn7 wrote: »

Mismanagement.

Greed.

Greed? And all because you can’t get a slot for them to deliver a few Easter eggs??
Your post is one of the most idiotic out of all these covid-19 threads and that’s an achievement

ShineOn7 · 05-04-2020 09:20PM

aaronc182 wrote: »

Greed? And all because you can’t get a slot for them to deliver a few Easter eggs??
Your post is one of the most idiotic out of all these covid-19 threads and that’s an achievement

Stop presuming you know people from forums offline, you just look silly.

My anger with Tescos (and if you look at their Socials I'm not alone) is how bad they've dropped the ball on this. It's a fúcking shambles for a company making the money they make to not act faster and better.

All me (and thousands of others) are trying to do is organise a weekly shop for their elderly parents from the biggest supermarket chain in the country. That's it.

We're trying to do this to stop them from going to Tescos so much themselves and risk infection.

It's got nothing to do with "a few Easter Eggs"

Muahahaha · 05-04-2020 09:20PM

is_that_so wrote: »

The Community Call approach is a much better way of doing this. Supermarkets have no way to manage this, especially the checking of information. They are already doing a great job with the allocated times for at-risk groups.

Well technically Tesco does have a way to ensure elderly are given priority for delivery slots- they already give free delivery to OAPs. Not sure how that is verified but they have a database of their customers who are over 65 and get the free delivery. They could just restrict delivery to this cohort of vulnerable people easy enough.

paleoperson wrote: »

By right shop workers should be wearing hazmat suits, they're exposed all day long. The only reason they're not told to wear protective gear is it could create a shortage and make vital workers stop coming to work.

Virtually impossible to get hazmat suits in the current environment plus they're selling for thousands a piece. Naomi Campbell got hers for free when she took a flight last week though

fryup · 05-04-2020 09:25PM

fetching

ArmaniJeanss · 05-04-2020 09:31PM

ShineOn7 wrote: »

All me (and thousands of others) are trying to do is organise a weekly shop for their elderly parents from the biggest supermarket chain in the country. That's it.

Technically Supervalu and Lidl have more stores which seems a fair measure of biggest, so why aren't you giving out about them and their failure to give you a delivery slot?

Multipass · 05-04-2020 09:40PM

No delivery slots, no click and collect available in any local supermarket. I’m wondering what I’ll do if I get symptoms, as I’m the only person who can get supplies in for 4 people in their 80s. Either I’ll have to go out anyway, or one of them will - why do the supermarkets not have a priority system in place by age? It makes a mockery of cocooning without this.

freshpopcorn · 05-04-2020 09:44PM

Multipass wrote: »

No delivery slots, no click and collect available in any local supermarket. I’m wondering what I’ll do if I get symptoms, as I’m the only person who can get supplies in for 4 people in their 80s. Either I’ll have to go out anyway, or one of them will - why do the supermarkets not have a priority system in place by age? It makes a mockery of cocooning without this.

You can make contact with the Gardai, local GAA club or who ever is volunteering in the area or you can ask somebody else who might help you out.

HeidiHeidi · 05-04-2020 09:46PM

Multipass wrote: »

No delivery slots, no click and collect available in any local supermarket. I’m wondering what I’ll do if I get symptoms, as I’m the only person who can get supplies in for 4 people in their 80s. Either I’ll have to go out anyway, or one of them will - why do the supermarkets not have a priority system in place by age? It makes a mockery of cocooning without this.

Hopefully that situation doesn't arise, but if it does I think every county in the country has organisations or set-ups willing to help out with shopping and deliveries.

Don't be afraid to ask for help if you need to.

paleoperson · 05-04-2020 09:46PM

Muahahaha wrote: »

Virtually impossible to get hazmat suits in the current environment plus they're selling for thousands a piece. Naomi Campbell got hers for free when she took a flight last week though

lol with the mask off - the one thing you're supposed to never do after the mask has been fitted, why am I not surprised? :rolleyes:

Multipass · 05-04-2020 09:48PM

freshpopcorn wrote: »

You can make contact with the Gardai, local GAA club or who ever is volunteering in the area or you can ask somebody else who might help you out.

I haven’t been able to find any information on volunteers, it would have to be the gardai. It just seems incredible that the most obvious need is not being filled. In the U.K. if you are on the vulnerable list, the supermarkets give you priority for home deliveries. Some of the same chains that operate here - maybe government direction is required.

HeidiHeidi · 05-04-2020 09:51PM

Multipass wrote: »

I haven’t been able to find any information on volunteers, it would have to be the gardai. It just seems incredible that the most obvious need is not being filled. In the U.K. if you are on the vulnerable list, the supermarkets give you priority for home deliveries. Some of the same chains that operate here - maybe government direction is required.

The gardai should be able to point you in the direction of groups in your area.

freshpopcorn · 05-04-2020 10:00PM

Multipass wrote: »

I haven’t been able to find any information on volunteers, it would have to be the gardai.

You could also ring a local supervalu or contact a local radio station(Not a one geared at younger market).

The_Honeybadger · 05-04-2020 10:00PM

Multipass wrote: »

I haven’t been able to find any information on volunteers, it would have to be the gardai. It just seems incredible that the most obvious need is not being filled. In the U.K. if you are on the vulnerable list, the supermarkets give you priority for home deliveries. Some of the same chains that operate here - maybe government direction is required.

Local authorities are running this service centrally in most counties in collaboration with community groups and volunteer centres, there should be a number to ring if you search for it and they will put you in touch with the relevant community group.

at1withmyself · 05-04-2020 10:26PM

The_Honeybadger wrote: »

Local authorities are running this service centrally in most counties in collaboration with community groups and volunteer centres, there should be a number to ring if you search for it and they will put you in touch with the relevant community group.

https://www.gov.ie/en/news/ba4e3d-covid-19-ireland-launches-the-community-call-in-major-nationwide-vol/

c68zapdsm5i1ru · 06-04-2020 08:21AM

HeidiHeidi wrote: »

Fair play. This is exactly what I was getting at.

I did NOT berate the staff, or be rude to them, or complain to them. I appreciate all of you for being at work, and keeping us supplied and fed.

I just think that management could do so much more in promoting an appropriate culture in that particular shop, and I tried to pass that message through (unsuccessfully it seems, I hope the email gets attention). Other shops seem to be making the effort, why won't they?

I don't really care whether they are devastated I'll be shopping elsewhere tbh, but for my own sake I'll go somewhere that takes distancing and cleanliness a bit more seriously for the moment.

I have to admit I was quite shocked when I went to Supervalu in Rathfarnham last week. A staff member was standing idly beside what looked like some kind of sanitising equipment beside the trollies doing nothing and I had to try and clean it myself with some kitchen role sprayed with dettol I'd brought with me. There was no queue to get in and there were too many people inside for the size of the store, and some of the staff seemed to have zero awareness of distancing. I've also had problems with supervalus online service, losing a valuable slot because, unlike Tesco, they didn't inform you as to how long you could hold it before checking out.

I've always tried to support Supervalu, as they're an Irish business, but I'm disappointed in what I've experienced of them recently.

c68zapdsm5i1ru · 06-04-2020 08:24AM

fryup wrote: »

Well actually he does,,,,,this is a reply from the CEO himself.

Mr.S wrote: »

It's not just a case of hiring more drivers, you know that right?

Most people shouldn't be using home delivery slots, go to the store and free it up for the rest who need it. That's the issue.

(FWIW - they are hiring more delivery staff and pickers)

I agree with this. People taking slots they don't need are also putting more pressure on volunteer services. But many use this to excuse their selfishness - "oh well, if people are stuck just contact the volunteers
Why should I give up my slot"?

beggars_bush · 06-04-2020 08:28AM

Lana Green Sophomore wrote: »

I have to admit I was quite shocked when I went to Supervalu in Rathfarnham last week. A staff member was standing idly beside what looked like some kind of sanitising equipment beside the trollies doing nothing and I had to try and clean it myself with some kitchen role sprayed with dettol I'd brought with me. There was no queue to get in and there were too many people inside for the size of the store, and some of the staff seemed to have zero awareness of distancing. I've also had problems with supervalus online service, losing a valuable slot because, unlike Tesco, they didn't inform you as to how long you could hold it before checking out.

I've always tried to support Supervalu, as they're an Irish business, but I'm disappointed in what I've experienced of them recently.

Right well in aldi you hsvd to disinfect your own trolley or basket
Maybe you should do up a list then do your shopping quicker

But I agree that there should be someone on the front door monitoring numbers in the shop

c68zapdsm5i1ru · 06-04-2020 09:21AM

beggars_bush wrote: »

Right well in aldi you hsvd to disinfect your own trolley or basket
Maybe you should do up a list then do your shopping quicker

But I agree that there should be someone on the front door monitoring numbers in the shop

I was in and out in jig time, believe me.

Not sure how doing my shopping quicker means its safe to let in too many people in or for staff to walk around too close to people.
The basic problem is that it's quite a small shop and really can't cope with the amount of people they were letting in. Any more than two people in an aisle and it was impossible to avoid getting too close. There also isn't space for more than four or five people to queue without causing a situation where other shoppers have to brush past them to get around the shop.

My local Tesco and Centra are great. Staff very careful, numbers controlled etc. It's just Supervalu, (and possibly only this branch) that don't seem to be as safely organised as they should be.

Living Off The Splash · 06-04-2020 10:14AM

Has Lidl....a one person per trolley in the store for shopping.....allowed?

bucketybuck · 06-04-2020 11:02AM

I'm not sure whats funnier, the chicken little who wants a hazmat suit in case somebody walks past her or the guy spitting rage at Tesco because he can't get easter eggs delivered!

Busi_Girl08 · 06-04-2020 12:12PM

Living Off The Splash wrote: »

Has Lidl....a one person per trolley in the store for shopping.....allowed?

It's meant to be one person per trolley as far as I know, but it varies from store to store how well it's policed.

jackofalltrades · 06-04-2020 12:27PM

Mr.S wrote: »

It's not just a case of hiring more drivers, you know that right?

Most people shouldn't be using home delivery slots, go to the store and free it up for the rest who need it. That's the issue.

(FWIW - they are hiring more delivery staff and pickers)

You're just blaming people for following the governments advice and their common sense and staying at home during a pandemic.
People are right to be avoiding the shops.
The real issue is that there isn't enough capacity for online deliveries.
Mainly because only two of the big five supermarkets offer online delivery.

I bit of creative thinking or government intervention could easily help the issue.
Rather than blaming people who are just looking out for their health.

SozBbz · 06-04-2020 12:58PM

jackofalltrades wrote: »

You're just blaming people for following the governments advice and their common sense and staying at home during a pandemic.
People are right to be avoiding the shops.
The real issue is that there isn't enough capacity for online deliveries.
Mainly because only two of the big five supermarkets offer online delivery.

I bit of creative thinking or government intervention could easily help the issue.
Rather than blaming people who are just looking out for their health.

This is quite alarmist. The fact of the matter is that Covid 19 can no longer be stopped, it will run throughout society and the purpose of social distancing is to slow that process and make it manageable. That doesnt mean that we all need to be afraid of our lives 24/7. Also don't the government have enough pressure on limited resources without being expected to do everyones grocery shopping for them too? I for one would rather see them focused on sourcing tests and PPE etc as well as trying to protect the economy as best as we can.

The public health advice is that its still fine for most of us to take limited trips to the shops to buy our groceries. Otherwise fit and healthy people should be doing so and leaving the online slots for those who need them most.

The_Honeybadger · 06-04-2020 01:05PM

The government is intervening in this area with the community call initiative. They need more volunteers so anybody that is not in an at risk group and that has the time and wants to make a difference can register with their local volunteer centre or participating community group to help out. That would be a lot more useful than giving out on the internet.

I appreciate that it is not possible for everyone to do it for various reasons but there are certainly a lot of people at home now with nothing to do. I have volunteered to do a weekend day through my GAA club as I am still in work Mon - Fri

c68zapdsm5i1ru · 06-04-2020 01:12PM

jackofalltrades wrote: »

You're just blaming people for following the governments advice and their common sense and staying at home during a pandemic.
People are right to be avoiding the shops.
The real issue is that there isn't enough capacity for online deliveries.
Mainly because only two of the big five supermarkets offer online delivery.

I bit of creative thinking or government intervention could easily help the issue.
Rather than blaming people who are just looking out for their health.

But in the absence of that surely peolep could be kind and do their best to ensure delivery slots go to those who need them most.

jackofalltrades · 06-04-2020 02:14PM

Lana Green Sophomore wrote: »

But in the absence of that surely peolep could be kind and do their best to ensure delivery slots go to those who need them most.

But too many people need it the most.

Look at the at-risk groups on the HSE's website.

-are over 60, people over 70 are particularly vulnerable and should cocoon
-have a long-term medical condition - for example, heart disease, lung disease, diabetes, cancer, cerebrovascular disease, renal disease, liver disease or high blood pressure
-have a weak immune system (immunosuppressed)
-have a medical condition that can affect your breathing

That's a huge amount of households, all those people will easily overwhelm Tesco and Supervalus available capacity.

Living Off The Splash · 06-04-2020 02:52PM

Busi_Girl08 wrote: »

It's meant to be one person per trolley as far as I know, but it varies from store to store how well it's policed.

I contacted them and they have no policy on this. Two people per trolley is fine.

Rubberchikken · 06-04-2020 03:03PM

Hugh Tesco fan and constant customer and am very happy with what they're doing in our local store.
I have to work and find no hassle queueing when I need to. Staff are doing their damness to keep social distancing from customers and themselves which can't be easy as they try to do their work.

There's ample products on the shelves and they have extra staff cleaning shelves/trollies etc.

I've always shopped with them and that won't change.

Pac1Man · 06-04-2020 03:13PM

Probably not the best place to post but I'm a bit unsure on the current travel restrictions.

Is it allowable to drive 14km direct to a supermarket and then home? If not I can make do with the local Spar.

Supermarkets - the Megathread

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