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Due to the pandemic, Waitrose has become one of many supermarkets to bear the brunt of the virus as it is an essential service.
In order to continue running smoothly, Waitrose have had to adapt to our new normality by implementing some new measures in order to abide by our Government’s advice and rules for slowing down the rate of infection and flattening the curve.
Waitrose, Balham, will continue to open at 8am and close at 9pm Monday to Saturday, opening at 11am and closing at 5pm on Sundays. However, the first hour of each day will be dedicated to their elderly and vulnerable shoppers to allow them a chance at buying what they need without a heightened risk of catching Covid-19. Waitrose is also allowing priority access for NHS and social workers who provide valid ID to ensure that they can do their shop as quickly and easily as possible.
To target the issue of stock running out too early in the day, Waitrose have implemented caps on some popular products. These include items such as eggs, pasta, flour, and hygiene and cleaning products, of which customers may purchase no more than three in one shop. This has regulated the availability of products meaning that there are now less shortages of certain items compared to the beginning of the pandemic. This has led to a decrease in customers panic-buying which allows equal amounts of produce to be distributed amongst Waitrose customers.
Waitrose, Balham have implemented strict social distancing measures designed to keep both employees and customers safe whilst they shop for essential items. These are as follows;
Limiting the number of customers in the store at any given time. As asked by the Government, Waitrose ask that customers only attend the store once in a day and to try to limit the amount of shopping trips they take. They also ask that, if it is possible, just one member of the household be responsible for the shop in order to cut down on the amount of people entering the store and allowing the experience to be easier and quicker for more customers.
Queueing is the new normal for everybody doing essential shops in order to respect the two metre rule advised by the Government to ensure effective social distancing in public. Waitrose have designated marshals to guide the queue and regulate the number of customers entering the store at any given time. As a result, Waitrose, Balham, have seen large queues move very quickly.
Waitrose, Balham, have taken measures to regulate checkouts and prioritise the safety of cashiers and customers. Floor signage has been used to mark out two metre blocks in the queueing areas to guide customers with safety. Screens have been placed between self-checkouts and between cashier and customer to prevent the spread of the virus due to proximity. Customers are also encouraged to pay in a cashless and contactless way to avoid unnecessary physical contact that could heighten the risk of spreading the virus. These particular measures have become part of the new normality of shopping in Waitrose and have helped to ease the concern of customers and employees during the pandemic.
Waitrose, Balham, with these safety measures in place, aim to keep serving their customers and providing quality products during such uncertain times. They prioritise the safety and health of their employees and customers by adapting to Government guidelines on social distancing and preventing the spread of the virus. Despite the pandemic impacting people’s lives massively, Waitrose, Balham, remains popular for those who live in the area as many of us visit the store to get our hands on the quality brands and products that Waitrose provides.
Address: 134-152 Balham High Rd, Balham, London SW12 8AY
https://www.waitrose.com/bf_home/bf/719.html
Waitrose Balham on NappyValleyNet
Update:
Balham Waitrose has just launched a grocery click and collect.
This means you can order your groceries via the Waitrose website (not the app yet unfortunately) and then you are given a pick up “slot” which usually has a two hour window. One then bypasses all the queues to pick up your groceries from the front desk – brilliant!
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