Forum Topic

Sainsbury's  - over 70's shopping hour, what a farce !

As I qualify I got there at 6.55am and stood in the queue, to my surprise there were just as many 20,30 and 40 year olds !When the doors opened a number of over 70's asked 2 managerial staff why they were letting in visibly younger customers. This where I'd like to make a special mention of David and his complete lack of customer service skills, rudeness, arrogance and patronising attitude. To a circa  80 year old man, David threatened to throw him out because he had asked why were Sainsbury's staff allowing in much younger people between 7 and 8am. Quite astonishing behaviour from this Sainsbury's Store manager.It was an absolute nightmare, no point in widely advertising a service to their vulnerable customers and not honouring it.BADLY DONE SAINSBURY'S !!!Also worth noting that the younger group of customers were buying over the 3 item limit of same grocery. A 30 something woman, 2 places in front of me, had 6 tins of baked beans, 6 tins of spaghetti and 6 blocks of cheddar cheese, the elderly man immediately behind her politely asked her if she thought she was being fair to other customers. Her response took my breath away "mind your own f***ing business old man, you're at the end of your life and don't need as much food". The cashier did nothing.Whilst this crisis has brought out the best in people in the main  it has also brought out the worst in what I hope is a minority.Stay safe and healthy everyone.

Loraine Pemberton ● 2422d52 Comments

I’ve emailed their Chief Executive to look into this as a matter of urgency.

Susan Jacques ● 2422d

For once I agree with Loraine!!!

Ken Munn ● 2422d

Hi all, I went to Sainsbury’s this morning unknowingly about the ‘over 70’s’ recommendation. I had no other time to go as needed to pick up some items for my elderly nan before I headed to work. I got verbally abused by an older couple who had taken upon themselves to act like police and approach anyone younger looking. I told them to stop acting like such bullies and they started getting right up in my face. She was blond a little longer that shoulder length hair with red puffer jacket and was very threatening. So email and call away to Sainsbury’s and complain about younger people being let in, but shame on you for not understanding that we all have different circumstances!

Nina Young ● 2422d

Loraine,I have experienced this type of behavior even before the virus  descended on us. I personally find that the under fifties that live in Chiswick have no respect for anything, it's all about Self Self Self.I may live in the area, but for a long time now, I've shopped in other places where you are at least treated as a human being. I even stopped using the Sainburys online shopping service, when I found out the drivers pick up from the Chiswick store, so I swapped to another company.So now I don't have to use the High for anything.

Bernard Allen ● 2422d

Whilst here's no excuse for bad behaviour, maybe this elderly couple were frustrated by their expectations being dashed from the start of this initiative and were frustrated at the lack of stock because some younger and fitter customers were whizzing round buying up large quantities of the same groceries ?

Loraine Pemberton ● 2422d

https://twitter.com/intermax/status/1240305535314001922

Ken Munn ● 2422d

I totally agree with not being allowed to buy more than 3 of the same item, this should be corrected by the tills. Please remember that us younger people are having to care for elderly, disabled and those with babies. I actually observed this couple after the way they behaved towards be and they were going up and down the aisles picking up whatever they wanted and at the same time running up to anyone younger looking and acting threatening. Shameful and I hope karma deals with them

Nina Young ● 2422d

What goes around, come around and I'm  firm believer in that. No need for rude, inconsiderate and selfish behaviour by anyone, whatever their age.

Loraine Pemberton ● 2422d

There is plenty of food in Chiswick if you stay away from Sainsbury’s. The butchers look fully stocked, the shelves in M&S were full at 10am yesterday morning, Lemons and Limes is full of fruit and veg, As Nature Intended had a pretty good range, and Waitrose even had loo roll. The Source on Turnham Green Terrace has lots of store cupboard stuff, although I’d think about wearing plastic gloves to pick up the scoops etc.

Kirsten Donovan ● 2422d

Gee whizzSounds like Sainsburys was full of the Good, the Bad, and the dam right Ugly this morning. I do think we are in a position where a national add campaign needs taking out to allow a time slot for senior citizens for all supermarkets over a two day period. And they have got to be more strict on the number of items one can purchase. Obviously you are likely to get say a couple shopping as two individuals Sounds drastic but at what time do we start seeing the very closure of anyone supermarket because of staffing and security issues which put more burden on those that are open.

Julian Pavey ● 2422d

Beware the problems of All Rights and No Responsibilities

Philippa Bond ● 2422d

Announcement online and on the news Tuesday and Wednesday: A number of you suggested that we reserve an hour in stores for elderly and vulnerable customers. In response to this request, we will set aside the first hour in every supermarket this Thursday, 19th March, for elderly and vulnerable customers. If you or an elderly family member, friend or neighbour would like to shop during this hour, please check online for your local supermarket opening hours. For all other customers, supermarkets will open one hour after the published opening time. I hope that you can respect this decision and will work with us as we try our best to help those that need it the most. Not the case - Sainsbury's Chiswick let in the general public and advised that they were not allowed to be served until 8 o'clock. So general free for all and stock piling of trolleys. Poor management of the situation and total lack of respect for our older generation. My friends Mother visits Sainsbury in Bognor this morning. Two queues one for the elderly and the Manager goes along the other queue advising that they have priority and thanking everyone for their patience. One door is opened at 7am and the elderly enter, no need for the Security guards to get involved. The other queue waits until 8 am. My friends Mother has everything on her shopping list. What a different tale to tell.

Carol Charlwood ● 2422d

So we are now going to age discriminate? How about parents with young children? People with certain diets? Old people who have to send their young relatives in their place? Are they going to be left with scraps they may not be able to consume? I’m a young female, went to Sainsbury’s this morning to buy 1 bag of groceries which was for someone who could not get herself to the shop because of her old age. I could not attend any other time due to work.Meanwhile people are driving in there with their cars loading it up. Instead of age restrictions why not stick to the maximum 3 of same items and also restrict food shopping to one or 2 carrier bags per person?

Nina Young ● 2422d

It was Sainsbury policy. Whinge to their CEO if you think it's wrong.

Ken Munn ● 2422d

Jeez.... young horders gatecrashing brief supermarket time-slot for the embattled elderly – oldies moaning about youngsters – youngsters moaning about oldies!!!  Ken Munn (still fighting the last election) weirdly announcing agreement with Loraine Pemberton!!!  Time to bang heads together!!!Time to call in the army!!!Other than that, whilst fully understanding Nina's counter-moan, the world could surely have done without it.  No need to go on and on sweetie.  Yes, it's time for everyone to be kind towards one another.  But oldies need special looking after for a while - so for that reason alone I totally support Loraine's reaction.Sainsbury's have, yet again, let the side down...

Stuart Kerr ● 2422d

I completely agree with the 3 of same item restriction.The issue with age is a tough one, however I'd guess that many, many of over 70's and older not only have the physical downside of being older but also underlying health conditions and combined this makes mobility and coping with heavily populated retail environments hard to cope with. The older generation do need more help and support. I think a more tolerant and balanced view is necessary underwritten by more give and less take.What I saw this morning  and I regret having to say this, but it was manly the younger shoppers who behaved with little  thought or consideration

Loraine Pemberton ● 2422d

Hold up,I'm 17 years away from luxury shopping and I say some that qualify are as fit as me? Could that be considered as being irresponsible over those that do I think 5 mins of hopscotch at the door to see if you qualify should be imposed.

Julian Pavey ● 2422d

Completely agree with Lorraine et al on this.  Are you seriously begrudging >70s 1 hour of 1 day a week to shop with minimum stress and fuss.One day it might be you ... and yes I work full-time, have elderly parents and many close friend and family working in frontline NHS services.If this me, me, me attitude continues we have no hope - get real.  It's not the end of the world or the apocalypse.  And if it was, how are 120 toilet rolls and a bag of chickpeas going to save you??Rant over ... carry on and get a grip people!

Shelagh Lafferty ● 2422d

Not yet mentioned, but impossible not to have been within the 2 meter exclusion zone from others, with all the hustle and bustle. Hopefully I emerged virus-free, but if not what are the odds of successfully suing Sainsbury for recklessly endangering customers' health?

Ken Munn ● 2422d

ZeroBecause you are on public record as being a fit and healthy cyclist so took advantage of the 1hr offer over being responsible for those who qualify and do need the 1hr.

Julian Pavey ● 2422d

Stuart and KenI thank you both and this really is a 'first' we are actually all in agreement and long may it continue 🤞

Loraine Pemberton ● 2422d

😂

Janice Evans ● 2422d

While we are in serious times,im pulling your leg Ken

Julian Pavey ● 2422d

He knows that I hope!

Janice Evans ● 2422d

The younger inconsiderate shoppers will be old one day and what goes around comes around.

Janice Evans ● 2422d

Farce is certainly the word for it.  Must havecome in contact with hundreds of people during myshop.  Waste of time getting there early as we hadbeen told.  Thought, What the Hell, may as wellhave my coffee in Cafe Nero as usual.

Patricia Hensby ● 2422d

Early in not good for some elderly who need help of a morning so would be unable to get there in time.

Janice Evans ● 2422d

We shop in Whitton - so thought we'd be earlier than normal 8.30 - car park heaving with Mums dropping off sprogs and then charging into Lidl, Sainsburys even Superdrug. Iceland had a notice that they'd open at 10.00.a.m. for an hour for the over 70s. The queue for Lidl was mad and very long, although people were being let in a few at a time, but people coming out with tins and tins of stuff and again toothpaste? We found a nice little greengrocer just up the High Street, gave up on Iceland but strangely the Tesco local just a little way up the road did have a few odds and sods. Came back to ASDA and just picked up another few bits- at least it was halfway civilised in there, still some pillocks there with so many Pot Noodles I couldn't count them and four big packs of pork loin, and packs of Dove soap! Not an egg to be had anywhere and people buying milk as if it was going out of fashion.If stores are going to give us oldies an hour could they please say what hour it's going to be, preferably the same for all their branches.

Vanessa Smith ● 2422d

Had to drive to drop some supplies for an elderly relative in Swindon. Local supermarkets Sainsbury’s were busy but not rammed. Alternate tills open and people asked to keep distance in queue and restrictions on numbers in shops. Encouraging people to go in one at a time.  Shame on some Chiswick folk

Sean Wales ● 2422d

No, no, I'm an unfit and unhealthy cyclist.

Ken Munn ● 2421d

Who needs all this stuff anyway? They won’t shut the supermarkets or pharmacies even if we go into lockdown.  Unless you are genuinely having to self isolate for 2 weeks you can still go out for food every few days, at least it’s something to do!

Sam Whittaker ● 2421d

Wouldn’t a better less chaotic system be for older people to hand in their shopping list to Sainsbury’s staff and the fit and able staff go round the store collecting it, then box it up with the invoice for the old person to pay and collect from a central point, having spent the intervening hour or so in a coffee shop? Pity Sainsbury turned their coffee shop into an Argos.Lots of confident, fit and able volunteers no longer helping out in charity shops which are closed could be on hand to police the handing in of the shopping lists and organise the supermarket staff, or even volunteer to go and pick up the requested shopping.

Lucy Chambers ● 2421d

Loraine Pemberton explainedWhat I saw this morning  and I regret having to say this, but it was manly the younger shoppers who behaved with little  thought or considerationWas it ever thus. You only have to see old ladies shuffling along the road in walking frames, (and it is only old ladies for some reason) and the way they're being totally ignored by everyone around them. Not even an acknowledgement or a smile, nothing.It was a privilege to escort one such old lady across Belmont Road at the side of Sainsbury,And she was so grateful ! When in any decent society people should have been queuing upto help her instead of just walking past.In his Diaries Tony Benn noted that after heretired he effectively dissapeared as when walking in the street it seemed as if nobody even noticed he was there any more. Which for somebody like Tony Ben must have come asa bit of shock, but can be as true for us lesser mortals as well.michael adams 

Michael Adams ● 2421d

That is a very good idea LucyHand your list in and collect the next day.

Julian Pavey ● 2421d

It's strange than when you get older younger people don't seem to see you and try to walk through you.  Sometimes I just stop and stand my ground.

Philippa Bond ● 2421d

I thought the whole idea was that older people who were not necessarily self isolating but keeping out of the way, could wander round with the like minded and pick up some scraps before the locusts got in. It obviously didnt work because the locusts bullied the staff. Mustnt grumble though. I went back this afternoon and there were at least 20 brussels, a load of cucumbers and half a bin of turnips. Yum

Stephen Gould ● 2421d

Sorry. I forgot. One and a half carrots

Stephen Gould ● 2421d

One and a half carats ? Diamond standard !

Richard Greenhough ● 2421d

You don’t need to go to a supermarket for fruit and veg. There is loads on the 3 market stalls and Lemon and Lime in TGT.

Lucy Chambers ● 2421d

But market stalls normally only sell loose fruit and vegetables.  Surely natural organic produce only comes in cling film wrapped plastic containers?

Philip Coe ● 2421d

It sounds horrendous and like it worked better in other Sainsbury's stores.When I mentioned the early hour to an over 70 friend he said it was too early for him.  It's difficult for timing because first thing in the morning they should have good stock.  After dropping kids is also an obvious time for mums to shop child-free too.  Still that presumably will change next week.Very disappointing to hear of people taking multi-amounts of the same item and the cashiers not being supported to stop control it.  There are some bullies and some very selfish people around.We should and could share with our neighbours if we are stuck for something.  Just keep your distance and keep on washing your hands and coughing and sneezing into the crook of your arm - just like Elmer and Rosita.Be kind folks.  :)

Philippa Bond ● 2421d

Loraine, Which queue were you in. I was at the front door at 0655 and did not notice too many 'unders' I have written report about this in particular and ongoing considerations in future te online shopping and lockdown. I asked a neighbour to review it and fortunately she advised me of your post. I am now going to  amend my report, which I am sending to Sainsburys, Tesco and Waitrose CEOs and MP. I received an email from Waitrose this evening advising they are going do the 70+ hour every day.

Zbigniew ● 2421d

I had taken my driving licence expecting have my age checked.If a younger person is shopping on behalf of a 70+, they should take proof of the 70+'s age. Sorted!

Zbigniew ● 2421d

Apologies, new to the site. This was meant to be in response to Nina Young.

Zbigniew ● 2421d

I was in the queue from about 6.40 and certainly wasn't at the front door until after it opened at 7am.  I don't think there were that many younger people there at that time (although there were a couple that I saw - one of whom got into a row with others when she tried to push in nearer the front), but they were obviously let in after the doors were opened and the queue subsided a bit. One young man wandered down the booze aisle whilst I was queuing to pay and I said to him 'you look a bit young for this lark' and he had no idea that it was supposed to be for the over 70s, he'd just wandered in and no-one had stopped him.  He said he'd wondered why it was so crowded.

Micki Hawkes ● 2421d

"Shameful and I hope karma deals with them"  sorry Nina but that is not a nice thing to say. My mother had the same when she went down to her sainsbury yesterday and said saw a few mums with young children. Now what part of over 70's shopping from 7-8.30 did you not understand Nina. If you read the news you will understand why it is an over 70's gig. Stop this claptrap about discrimination as you are making more of a fool of yourself. Please people, observe the over 70 shopping for our elderly, I know some of them can at times be a pain but this is a very worrying time for them and we younger folk should obey this rule. Let's hope you retract your karma outburst.

James Smith-Jones ● 2421d

Ventured out again today - and things seem much calmer, perhaps the message is finally getting though? Lidl rationing customers to two of any item, and policing the check-outs, rightly so. Local paper shop had sanitiser for £6 a small bottle! I am using a mild solution of bleach for general cleaning - which I'm sure will be as good, if not better.

Vanessa Smith ● 2421d

It seems, from today's Times, that the branch at Kew is getting it right, politely turning away younger people. So it's not Sainsbury overall, just the Chiswick branch.

Susan Kelly ● 2421d

I think you will find that it is M and S who are sorted for letting people in, not Sainsbury

Iris Hill ● 2420d

I was listening to a news report earlier in the week and originally thought the scenes described were from our local Sainsbury's but actually it was one of their stores in Huddersfield. This seems to be a failure at the national level rather than locally. I know some people are not that keen on the current manager for various reasons but his ability to act is probably constrained by his bosses' ineptitude.For instance the problems in Chiswick clearly relate to it being one of the few places in the area with a sizeable car park therefore people who don't normally shop there are driving in to get supplies. It is self-evidently better to have people queueing in cars than to be queueing at tills when there is an elevated risk of cross infection. The problem for the on site manager is that the car park is managed by a different company so he can't tell them to restrict entry when he needs to reduce access to the store. This would need to be arranged at a company to company level from head office.There are two potential solutions. Close the car park when the queues at the tills get too long or close the car park altogether with access only for the over 70s and NHS workers.Sainsbury's seem to be adopting a head in the sand approach and their responses are being driven by their PR department rather than operationally. Sure, opening early for older people sounds great but if you don't put in a structure to properly manage it we have all seen what happens.The debacle of last weekend looks set to be repeated again this Saturday and Sunday and the store will become a nexus for infection increasing the likelihood of death for someone that someone else visits the store comes into contact with. Sainsbury's don't seem to think this is their problem. Whether they didn't respond to ChiswickW4.com's request for comment last week because they are still annoyed about the coverage of the poppy collectors' exclusion or they simply thought it best to say nothing, it seems likely that they have no plan to stop a recurrence.All sensible people should avoid the store for the timebeing. Not because of their incompetence but because they cannot be trusted to take measures to protect people's health.

Francis Rowe ● 2420d

Best of British...  Why am I not surprised. :((

Cristina Bur ● 2420d

Richmond Sainsburys was really well managed on Thursday according to my neighbour. Two queues one for seniors and the other for the remainder. Staff were outside the entrance controlling what went on. Only seniors were allowed to enter at the due time.Strict control of quantities as well I believe.The large car park was rammed.

Bob Guyett ● 2420d