AIBU to dread going to a supermarket?

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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.

Have you not got click and collect? It's a breeze. Went to Asda yesterday and they'd changed the system. The shopping was all loaded into trollies and they just handed the trolly over and off you went. This is a store that doesn't normally do click and collect and it wasn't as easy as drive through but still very easy!

Visit local ‘corner shops’

Order on line.
Why do you think you’re special?

My husband has done all our shopping, he has heart disease, I have diabetes. We need to shield ourselves.

We don’t have a car, and usually get a fortnightly Sainsbury’s order, which we’re now not allowed because we’re not vulnerable. Although it’s more expensive, my preference is M&S - quiet, well stocked, and a staff member at the door wiping down baskets and trollies. I went to the Co-op this week because I had to collect a prescription in town, and it was horrendous.

I have been to Sainsbury’s twice since lock down. The first time there was no queue, the second I was queuing half way round the car park but still got in within around 10 minutes.

Once in there, it does take longer. If someone is where you want to be, you have to wait for the, to move, I avoided some aisles altogether if there were too many people, & went back later.

I hate being there, the mood is low, (& never thought I’d say this!), no children.

Sainsbury’s have an app which you can scan your own goods, & bag as you go. Pay at the end at a self service till. Minimum contact with others.

I think you should just go, & you’ll see it’s not as bad as you think.
They do only allow one adult in at a time though, although there are definitely people playing this, & going in separately as I saw couples in there.

What are you dreading?

Now the initial madness has abated, the shops are fine and well-stocked.

I've been a couple of times, I go after 6pm and the shelves are full and very few other customers are in the store. Didn't have to queue to get in or at the tills.

I love how people on Mumsnet are able to use their random personal experiences to generalise for everyone else about how much easier or not it is to go shopping these days.

Or how this brand or that brand are dealing with it.

Every store and every occasion is different, surely! I had to queue yesterday at my local Morrison’s and it took ages inside to negotiate with everyone’s different ideas re: social distancing etiquette. I imagine if I go tomorrow, and happen to catch it at a less busy time, things could be much easier.

You’ll only know if you go.

One of you is going to have to, toss a coin and take precautions. I went yesterday, it was fine and I was just grateful I was nipping in to shop rather than having to work there.

Go in the evening - things are much better than they were a couple of weeks ago with one way systems and floor markings. Still low availability on many items though near us. I can't get an online delivery slot for love nor money.

I love how people on Mumsnet are able to use their random personal experiences to generalise for everyone else about how much easier or not it is to go shopping these days.

The OP literally posted asking for advice / opinion. People can only post from their own experience. If the OP wanted official guidance then asking on an opinion forum such as MN is not the right place.

It’s actually lovely shopping in supermarkets now.

Dh went out yesterday for the first time and was surprised how civilised everyone was.

what I like is when people cheerfully confuse being "vulnerable" and "susceptible to catch the virus".

I don't know how many "non vulnerable" people dying they need to understand that all concerns are valid.

Around here, Aldi, Tesco, Waitrose and Morrisons are all functioning extremely well. Short, fast-moving queues to get in, minimal queuing at checkouts, plenty of stock. I haven't seen much evidence of one-way systems inside shops, so if that is a major concern of yours, try and figure out a quiet time to go. Honestly though, supermarkets are quieter than i've ever seen them, so don't panic.

Same here - supermarkets very civilised and people are behaving with kindness and respect.

Please don’t take a delivery slot unless you absolutely can’t leave the house (ie. shielded or shielding someone).

Please don’t take a delivery slot unless you absolutely can’t leave the house

why not?
Tesco released slots for half the week the other day. Delivery slots come randomly but there's obviously not such a shortage.

Or try M&S as it’s really quiet there

The OP literally posted asking for advice / opinion. People can only post from their own experience.

Yes, so answer with “when I went to this branch at this time, this happened” rather than nonsensical generalisations like “M&S is really quiet” or “Aldi is fine.”

Many thanks for all your replies. What am I scared off? getting the virus, getting really ill, maybe going to hospital, maybe dying! We are what some might call 'middle aged', no existing serious illnesses but both on regular prescriptions for the usual types of things and not fit generally.
I will try to find a farm shop, and look to getting local info. on what the specific supermarkets round here are like, as I imaging that even in the same chain it must vary enormously.
Thanks for your reassurance.

I get you op. I work in a hospital but supermarkets stress me out far more. The supermarkets can do all the social distancing measures they want. But it varies so much on how the people that shop use them.

I was in Aldi today. Great queue in and arrows, tape spacing etc. But people going up and down the wrong way not taking note of the spacing on the floor etc, leaning in close to get food instead of waiting as I pass.

But you need food take sensible measures keep your own distance, gloves aren't necessary and sometimes a false sense of security just wash your hands well on return. If it makes you feel safer you can wipe your bags/shopping on return.

Apparently evening shopping is easier but my aldi stock is often low by then even in more normal circumstances

it's not too bad in the shops, but I can understand why you are anxious. have you tried musclefoods.com for meat and veggies (veggies found under the 'vegetarian' section) and creamline for most other things (cereal, milk, bread etc)?

YANBU OP

My local big stores are awful. Long queues to get in - a friend had to wait 90 minutes yesterday. Once inside people are ignoring the one way system, getting far too close, or spending so long choosing something so you cannot get past them and you want to kill them.

Waaaay too stressful for me.

Luckily I have been able to get what I need from Click and Collect and local shop which is one in/one out. Also got both Morrisons and M&S food boxes.

Yes, so answer with “when I went to this branch at this time, this happened” rather than nonsensical generalisations like “M&S is really quiet” or “Aldi is fine.”

I think most people would understand that posters are talking from their own personal experience rather than being official spokespeople for M&S or Aldi

Find Asda the worst for queuing but aside from that it's been okay in most of the supermarkets. Iceland has been very quiet so try and go there when I can.
A lot of people are scared and it's understandable but I find it's not as bad as I fear.

If you have local shops you might find them better, also some Greengrocers and farm shops are doing fruit and veg boxes. If you are on your local Facebook page there will probably be suggestions of local businesses.
I understand your worries, I have been sticking to local shops only but we are very lucky to have butchers, greengrocers and Co op. Most people are doing what they should be around here at least.