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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

AIBU to dread going to a supermarket?

70 replies

Beancounter1 · 18/04/2020 13:14

Posting here for traffic (long time reader, occasional poster).

DH and I are getting low on supplies, but really don't want to venture out to a shop - are our fears justified? We have never shopped online before, and now it seems all major supermarkets are not taking any new customers - does anyone know how can we get shopping delivered? It's just the two of us, all family live too far away in other cities.

OP posts:
Grobagsforever · 18/04/2020 13:15

Well, what are scared of? Unless you are vulnerable it's best just to go.

It's fine, supermarkets are now well set up for social distancing.

EmmaC78 · 18/04/2020 13:15

Are there any farm shops locally? I get a weekly veg box delivered and know a lot of farm shops are also doing egg and meat delivery too.

ShirleyPhallus · 18/04/2020 13:16

DH went to Sainsbury’s the other day and it was very civilised. Good managed queuing, loads of stock, arrows on the floors to manage flow, cashiers behind glass booths. It was fine.

Otherwise try local farms for fruit and veg supplies.

P1nkHeartLovesCake · 18/04/2020 13:17

What are you scared of?

Write a list, take your own bags. Pay by card

You have to queue outside but everyone keeps distance. Get what is on your list and leave, once hands once your home

Unless you are in the vulnerable category you should be going to the shop for food and leaving the slots for the vulnerable.

Imapotato · 18/04/2020 13:18

It’s honestly fine.

Spied · 18/04/2020 13:18

If either of you are vulnerable then go to the gov website and fill in the short questionnaire. Supermarkets will then put you on the vulnerable list and you can get priority delivery.
If not then I'd choose the quietest time possible and go with a face covering/scarf and gloves. Put them in the wash on return.

Worriedmum54321 · 18/04/2020 13:18

I would not worry. Just stay away from other people and wash your hands when you get home. It's very low risk. The queueing is a bit tedious at times.

GinNotGym19 · 18/04/2020 13:19

Why?
Just go at 7.30/8 at night when it’s quiet. Only one of you needs to go.
I went mid week in the evening last week, didn’t need to queue and everything was in stock

RoseyLentil · 18/04/2020 13:19

Hi there Smile there might be local food retailers doing online orders in your city. Have you checked Facebook? My nearest city has lots of options for nonsupermarket food delivery services now that restaurants and pubs are closed.

bridgetreilly · 18/04/2020 13:20

Staying at home without any food is a far greater risk than going to a supermarket.

Livingoffcoffee · 18/04/2020 13:22

I won't lie, I hate going - it stresses me out. We have a big Tesco practicality across the street, but from now on I'm only going to the smaller farm shop.

The Tesco is set up for social distancing. But they let too many in the store at a time so it's still crowded. The staff packing for online orders don't follow the one way system or give any safe distance as they walk around, so of course no one else listens to the one way system either.

WandaFish · 18/04/2020 13:22

Go evening time, not many people about. Wear gloves, it's fine. I'm in a vulnerable group and still going for supplies.

OneandTwenty · 18/04/2020 13:22

if people didn't agree with you, there would be more delivery slots available...

Go on your local facebook group, there are lots of info about which supermarket respects social distancing, which doens't.

Saturday tends to be a very bad for shopping, many people are still working and can only shop at the weekend, so it is busier. (it was packed here!)

For next time, order one of the food box from Morrison or Aldi, and look at greengrocer or butcher who deliver locally.

I haven't put foot in a supermarket for more than a month, and I don't intend to go back anytime soon.

Pipandmum · 18/04/2020 13:22

Some smaller local shops have organised delivery services - maybe google it in your area.
But as other posters have said there is no issue about going to the supermarket yourself if you are not considered vulnerable. Some shops are wiping down each cart with sanitizer or you could do that yourself, and all are practicing social distancing. You could wear gloves but it is more practical just to avoid touching your face while there and washing your hands as soon as you get home. It is not really necessary to 'decontaminate' your items, but if it makes you feel better wash away.

Pyjamasarethenewblack · 18/04/2020 13:23

You can order a morrisons box (vegetarian based/meat eater based/ready meal based). It's £30 worth of basic groceries plus £5 delivery. We got one and it was really good although not very exciting. We had a meat based box and got loo rolls/kitchen towel, some fresh meat and frozen meat, some tinned food and fresh veg.
M&S also do a box which is more treat filled but could boost your supplies.

Apolloanddaphne · 18/04/2020 13:24

I'm actually finding it quite stress free. You have to queue to get in but it means once you get in it is lovely and quiet. I find no-one is rushing me or getting in my way and the shelves are now well stocked. Just go and see for yourself. It is fine.

lastqueenofscotland · 18/04/2020 13:25

Honestly they are fine. I’ve found aldi to be the best with not overcrowding the stores, people adhering to the queuing system and for the stock.

redwoodmazza · 18/04/2020 13:25

I understand your fears.
There is NO GUARANTEE that the 2 metre rule is adequate - it's just the best distance that is manageable, in my opinion.
My DH is doing our shopping and has only had to go twice during lockdown so far, as he is buying more than usual to avoid excess travel.

Ilikewinter · 18/04/2020 13:26

Just personal experience but both Tesco and Morrisons have been fine. Ive queued max 20 mins to get in and there are very few customers in the store its easy to keep a distance. No queues as checkouts
Another altenrative would be click and collect, ive done this with Asda and its been brill to be honest. The shopping is ready waiting when you pull up, they wheel it out in trays, already bagged up and they leave you to put it in your car - in and out in a couple of minutes.

bedtimebrew · 18/04/2020 13:27

Mark and spencer do boxes too

Yellowbutterfly1 · 18/04/2020 13:29

Spied. That’s only for people on the ‘extremely vulnerable shielded list’, not the long ‘vulnerable’ list.

Parker231 · 18/04/2020 13:30

It’s actually quicker now than pre lockdown. Queuing outside the shop following social distancing but now it’s only one person allowed rather than couples and families, and limited people allowed in at any one time, it much quicker getting around the shop.

cheeseychovolate · 18/04/2020 13:32

Have a look at the Morrisons boxes. It operates separately from their online website so you should be able to get one delivered

justtakeatowel · 18/04/2020 13:38

It's not quicker here, taking me bloody ages! Queuing to get in (have tried different times but no luck) and then having to queue for ages at the tills. What I could do in 45 mins is now taking double that!

Stuff not in stock here either so having to rethink as I go round

VickyEadieofThigh · 18/04/2020 13:41

Our Tesco (only supermarket within 12 miles) is awful so far. They haven't put a one-way system in and people are constantly bumping into you. It's really stressful and scary.