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Original poster

Can you stil buy clothing in supermarkets or just food etc?

33 replies

SWnewstart · 01/04/2020 10:19

I've been shopping local for past couple of weeks but could now do with going to a large Tesco super store about 15 mins drive away (local mini markets only have basic ranges and the store cupboard items are being used up, so need replenishing - NOT stockpiling, please note!).

It's a huge store with big clothing section along with homeware and electricals but can I buy anything from here? Printer is ancient and on last legs, a new one would be handy. Having cleaned house top to bottom, some new towels would be nice, likewise a couple of T shirts now weather is improving. Obviously not essentials so please don't jump on me for that. Simply wondering if it's "allowed" to buy anything other than food and everyday household items.

OP posts:
Oliversmumsarmy · 01/04/2020 10:26

I don’t see why not?

Not been to the supermarket for ages as we have been sending Dc

Wingingitsince2018 · 01/04/2020 10:31

I am also wondering the same thing. We have small supermarkets locally but there is a large Tesco Extra around 15mins drive.

DS is really starting to outgrow his vests and sleepsuits so I need to get more, along with a lighter coat now it is warmer. I could order online but then I feel that is putting more people at risk (warehouse workers etc) than if I just grab some bits with next week's shop.

Original poster
SWnewstart · 01/04/2020 10:32

Hmm we will see. A friend did go to town and saw M&S only selling stuff from the food hall (stationery items, flowers and books still on sale within this area) - clothing areas were taped off. Maybe instead of faffing about on MN I will just ring Tesco instead! Unless that's going to upset people by blocking lines for other stuff …...

OP posts:
Lefkosia · 01/04/2020 10:34

My local tesco hadn't blocked the clothes section off when I went the other day so I'm assuming it's OK

HarrietThePi · 01/04/2020 10:35

I think some shops are blocking non food areas off, others aren't. But many are operating a one in, one out customer limit - 5 customers at a time seems average, so while it may be ok to buy non essentials in the shops still selling them, it probably is a good idea to know more or less exactly what you need so you can do it quickly. (This is all based on what I've been told by others so could be wrong. I've only been to our small local shop since this began.)

Torvi · 01/04/2020 10:36

I would also be interested to know as my eldest is having a growth spurt

IceKitten · 01/04/2020 10:37

I think that's fine.

goldenorbspider · 01/04/2020 10:38

My local Morrison's has the clothing section closed off. Don't see why it would be a problem if you're there anyways

Aroundtheworldin80moves · 01/04/2020 10:39

When DH was at a big Asda on Saturday, he said you can still get to the top floor which is only clothes.

ToddlersConspireAgainstUs · 01/04/2020 10:39

Also wondering the same thing, fast growing 1 year old has outgrown loads of things all of a sudden, socks, vests etc. Went to Tescos and although they hadn't closed the clothes section, it was empty and I felt a bit flustered and awkward at the idea of looking (Yes I know it sounds silly) as it doesn't seem like essential shopping.
Also torn at the idea of online shopping and creating demand for more warehouse workers, on the other hand surely still continuing to buy things, just to a lesser extent, is helping the economy slightly?

wanderings · 01/04/2020 10:40

Just do it. Don't succumb to the frothing mob with their polished haloes and pitchforks telling you that people will die if you do it.

champagneplanet · 01/04/2020 10:43

Those areas weren't blocked off when I was in Tesco earlier in the week. I wouldn't worry.

BilboBercow · 01/04/2020 10:44

Clothes section open in our Tesco extra yesterday

GreyishDays · 01/04/2020 10:46

Some Tesco have all the clothes and electrical materials upstairs. I’d imagine they’re much more likely to have shut them off? Just a guess.

Sainsbury’s near us still has clothes open. Also h and m are still delivering.

BogRollBOGOF · 01/04/2020 10:46

DS1 is having a growth spurt too and filling out (not a bad thing as he's the low end of healthy). He only wears shorts, but even the most recent ones are begining to look uncomfortably snug and a bit 70s footballer-ish. I need to buy in person as he has sensory issues so the fabric has to be something he will accept (impossible to judge online) and I need to check that the waist can be yoinked in enough so that they don't fit like a hula hoop. I normally buy at Morrisons and Sainsburys anyway. He will not last months!

Washinglinewench29 · 01/04/2020 10:47

Morrisons yesterday where I live had barriers up over the clothes so you couldn't browse.

Trebolla · 01/04/2020 10:50

I bought some in Sainsbury’s yesterday - I needed some slightly more appropriate allotment clothes than I have. Was fine and I didn’t want to have to order and have someone else deliver it.

NormaLouiseBates · 01/04/2020 10:52

A friend of mine went to Pets at Home the other day for cat food and wasn't allowed to buy a toy for her dog. The toys weren't roped off or anything; it was when she got to the till the SA told her she couldn't sell it as it wasn't "essential"...

Shmithecat2 · 01/04/2020 10:55

My local Tesco Extra still has all its clothes and home section open.

IdblowJonSnow · 01/04/2020 10:55

If it's there you could try and buy it?
I think different places have varying policies.
They can only say no. In which case I wouldn't be embarrassed as they were the ones who left it there.
Anyway you could argue a printer is essential for home ed and if all your t shirts have worn out you'd need a new one.

nowaitaminute · 01/04/2020 10:56

Yes of course you can.

LittleCandle · 01/04/2020 10:57

I bought pjs the other day from Tesco.

fantasmasgoria1 · 01/04/2020 10:59

Local tesco you can buy clothes, asda and sainsburys the same. Children outgrow things and to me its necessary to buy new clothes.

LastTrainEast · 01/04/2020 11:00

It's not wrong to buy other things while you're there. Just ask yourself if it involves more contact with people and if not then you're fine.

MsJaneAusten · 01/04/2020 11:01

I bought PJs in Sainsbury’s yesterday. The woman laughed and said loads of people were doing the same.