To ask what the shops are like today

[bridgetreilly]

Has anyone been out? I don't need anything, but there's a few things I'd quite like to get today rather than later in the week, if it's not too horrific. I'm hoping to get to the retail park (Next, Hobbycraft, Boots etc) and maybe Tesco, but could definitely leave that for later.

We went to coop this morning and it was quiet. They had just done all the reductions for out of date items 24th/25th so have stocked the freezer with steak and sea bass for new year. £40 worth of stuff for a tenner

Our local shop is busy, but it's only a tiny place and the only reason I went was for cash. The bigger shops will be crazy today and I'd rather eat beans for Christmas dinner than brave them.

I’ve just got from a retail park and it was fine. No busier than a normal Saturday.

We even stopped for a coffee and cake in Costa and there were loads of tables.

They had car park attendants controlling the exits, it was very civilised.

Generally, in retail terms, the 23rd is usually busier than the 24th.

B&Q was really quiet.

I totally had mending mil's kitchen sink in my plans for Christmas Eve.

I went to the shops yesterday as DD had an opticians appointment and it was rammed.

Well, I went. Traffic fine, parking fine, shops not that busy. On the other hand, Tesco shelves nearly empty of pretty much all party and Christmas food (not what I had gone for, but quite a lot of gloomy shoppers looking around in vain for it). And disappointingly empty of the 2 non-Christmas items I had gone specially to get.

Oh, should have said, Hobbycraft and Home Sense were not precisely empty, but certainly not busy, and I got everything I wanted there, so not a wasted trip!

Our shops have glass windows, doors at the front, shelves with varying amounts of food and household goods. People are in there working the tills and others are doing their shopping.

Do you have anything different where you are?

Went to Sainsbury's at 9.30 this morning. Roads were quiet and shop was empty. 3 parent and child spaces - don't even get that on a normal weekday!

I went to M&S this morning about 10.30 and it was deserted. Slightly busier in the food department but no shoppers in the main store except me and no queues.

Car park much quieter than on a normal day too.

Suppose it depends where you are.
I went out today for a few last minute things. A lot quieter than I expected (and usual), but shelves were bare.