AIBU to dread going to a supermarket?

[Beancounter1]

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.

The problem with the smaller local shops is i feel in close confinement with people more.

I find the large supermarkets better and they are organised too. Just get in, with a list, no browsing and get out again asap. Wash your hands, don't touch your face etc.

@OneandTwenty I know people who are considered (by the government / their local council) ‘extremely vulnerable’ who can’t get an online delivery. They’ve registered with all the relevant bodies and have been sent ‘you’re a priority’ emails but are unable to get a slot as all are booked. These are people in their 80’s.

If I were (as I am) able to go to a supermarket, I would. It lessens the burden, stops people from worrying about their loved ones on the other side of the country.

Well, I think you're probably less at risk now than what you were about, and prior to four weeks ago.

I send DH instead as it’s too Handmaid’s Tale for me.

Several food wholesalers/ food service businesses in our region are now offering home delivery over quite a large area, with delivery often the next day. It may be worth searching to see if there are any near you. You might not get the brands you are used to, and you may have to buy larger amounts than you normally would, but it could be a good alternative to taking up a supermarket slot or going to a supermarket if that's causing you concern.

OP both Morrison's and Asda are taking new online customers on at the moment; I set up an account for my mum at both of them yesterday. Worth checking for your area.

I am shopping once a week and my local Sains and M and S are pretty good. If you can, go to town centre shops without big car parks. I think these are a lot quieter.

Forgot to say, Morrison's was a queue to get on the site but only took about 15 mins. Initially no slots but then released a bunch for the next day so it's worth hanging around \ refreshing etc

One thing that I realised was that when you look it’s easy to find alternatives to the supermarket. I get why you are concerned so it might be worth looking at places like Able and Cole for fruit and veg delivery, a milkman for dairy. There are several places that deliver online meat (Farmison) and fish (Cornish fishmongers) as well as wholesalers that are now open to the general public (eg Restaurant Depot) - places like Bookers for example. Also Amazon has a pantry section. You could even have a look at wholesalers who used to deliver to restaurants - the whole range from Giraffe (£99 for a keg of pornstar Marino anyone?) to Michelin ones

You can check Google for the busiest times just seach "supermarket town" and click on the one you want to visit scroll down and it should tell you live and average busy periods throughout the day.
There's also an app called supermarket check in but depends what area you're in as it relies on people checking in on the app for info
Also as a pp said sainsburys scan and go seems a great option, you only touch the items you're buying scan with your phone and pop into a bag so one less person touching your items and no touching the trolley or belt.
Another thing I've started to do is write a list in the order of the shop so one route round the store and you get all you need if it's all in stock.
A little bit of planni g should make the experience a bit less daunting

Yanbu.Queues are ridiculous, people acting like idiots or dithering, and asda is absolutely shite for stock

Delivery a nightmare too- keep trying different times of the day and different supermarkets and nothing is available

@swapsicles I was going to use it but because I shop for a couple of people I have baskets balanced on my trolly so I go through and pay for each separately. Feel bad for those behind me in the queue but not sure what else to do. I can't use 3 scanners unfortunately as they definitely seem a better option

I actually enjoy going. Hate the queue to get in though

I live in a city with 3 supermarkets within walking distance. No car and not vulnerable so have been shopping regularly since lockdown - went to M&S today and will probably go to Sainsbury’s tomorrow. I really don’t understand what the issue is as long as you follow basic principles as people have said above.

The problem is if no one else in the supermarket follows those basic principles (or common sense / consideration) @Getabloominmoveon

I like it. It's the closest thing I get to a holiday these days.

Am terrified of supermarkets. I get click and collect or delivery but I had accounts beforehand as generally don't enjoy shopping. Luckily DH is happy to go. I don't think you are unreasonable. They are probably pretty safe now but don't ask me to go!

For the first time I managed to get a delivery slot but have left it as nothing is in stock so can't find £40 worth of stuff to shop!! It wasn't coming until April 30th either! Nightmare

Supermarkets make you queue to reduce the in store numbers, ask you to social distance and have markers on the floor to keep you distanced. I wear a mask and gloves but not really necessary. I pay by cars, take my own bags and wash my hands at home after disposing of my mask etc. I gel as soon as I get in the car.

I've found that ours have a bit of a queue outside but plenty of stock and no queues inside. I prefer them how they are now and would be in favour of them staying like this forever.