Local stores announce measures to support elderly and vulnerable

Waitrose has followed other stores by providing support for the elderly and vulnerable. 

The announcement comes as leading stores including Tesco and Sainsburys also revealed their plans to help the vulnerable during the Coronavirus pandemic.

From today, the Waitrose branch in Thatcham will reserve its first hour of opening between 0800 – 0900 for elderly and vulnerable people allowing them to get essential supplies before the store opens to the general public.  This announcement comes in the wake of widespread shortages that many believe are caused by people buying excessive amounts of products such as toilet roll, pasta and tinned tomatoes and stockpiling it.

From today, Waitrose is also taking new steps to ensure food is distributed fairly. In addition to existing limits on some online items, there will be a limit of three for any specific grocery item, and a maximum of two packets of toilet roll per customer buying in shops.

Sharon White, Chairman of the John Lewis Partnership, said: “At this time of national crisis, the John Lewis Partnership is wholeheartedly committed to ensuring we support customers and in particular the elderly and most vulnerable. Our commitment to contribute to the wellbeing of the communities we operate in has always been at the heart of our business.”