Marks and Spencer's

[Daisy03]

I don't want to get into the whole debate of whether lockdown is right or wrong!

But aren't M&S taking the piss and bending the rules by keeping stores fully open.
I understand yes the food hall, but most of these are in separate rooms or floors and could be easily split off.
I understand they're struggling but to me it's a bit of a kick in the teeth to those smaller and independent shops that are also struggling but following the rules. What's to stop some of them selling something essential so they can open, and then why bother closing any retail or claiming to be in lockdown at all?

@throwaway10000

is it more essential to have a look around M&S furniture department than it is to have kids outdoor football going on?

Weird. Why is this a competition to you? It’s not one or the other. Even if it was, it’s a very selfish viewpoint from you frankly, as more people benefit from an open furniture department than a game of children’s football.

The independent shops are allowed to open, for click and collect. They need to invest in their online presence. National retailers would always be their competitors. Also, you are aware that independent shops which sell essentials (eg newsagents) are open and selling non-essential items too? Where’s your vitriol for them? After all, by your “logic”, everyone must suffer equally right?

I agree throwaway

So bored of these threads

M & S sell school uniform which is essential as schools are open as usual.

A lot of shops are doing click and collects this time which isn't going to help a small business. The alternative is Amazon getting more business as they can guarantee fast delivery

@Lineofconcepcion. Where on earth did you get the idea that alcohol is non-essential?

Fwiw, I don't actually think shops should stop selling alcohol . I just think it's more of a "non-essential" for most people than socks and knickers.

This may be tmi, but after the birth of my son, I found myself staying in hospital needing lots and lots of huge granny knickers (for reasons I'd rather not explain ). It would have been awkward if DH hadn't been able to pop to the local M&S for them. They were pretty essential to me at that time.

There’s definitely a place for the Coronavirus topic to have a sub topic ‘Coronavirus-AIBU?’ Because the answer is invariably ‘yes you are’.

I think all independent shops should put water bottles, paracetamol and freezer full of some frozen foods and open up. The government is taking the piss. There's no statistics to say that shops are super spreaders but now all these shops especially independent ones are out of pocket for a month. There's no grants or help or anything that will cover the loss of these shops.

@TeddyIsaHe

If people cared as much about poverty, or racism or women’s rights as they do about what frigging shops are open, the world would be infinitely better.

This ☝🏻

Close down all the shops, we will all wear rags and eat grass 🙄

@deathraystare - ok then: Estee Lauder Nude and eau de partum. Had such a nice chat with the lady on the counter and got 20% off and a free gift too - latter will go in dd's Christmas stocking!

I couldn’t give a flying fuck what’s open if I tried.

We need businesses to succeed. Shutting until December will just mean it’s rammed up until Christmas.

Rishi can’t keep making magic money.

I couldn’t care anymore. Perhaps if we all showed a bit of restraint and did limit the amount of shopping we do- wait until you need several things- click and collect where possible- order from local shops to collect or deliver- then that would do a lot.

Sadly the world is full of selfish twats who can’t think for themselves so we’re in the situation that we are with mindless rules a made for rules sake.

Most people forget that mumsnet is full of literate (mostly) public spirited people who can think for themselves. If you’re smarter than 50% of the population then there is still HALF of the population who can’t make sound judgements. Applying morals and logic to the masses will never work. (As harsh as that sounds)

I mean- whether you’re agree with masks or not, you only have to look round to see so many people not even wearing one effectively. Or clean ones. As a nation we’ve had to be reminded to WASH OUR HANDS and wash masks. Which to most is just basic hygiene but some can’t even think to do that.

By me the vape shop is open.

Oh go away already.

Just because the shops are open it doesn’t mean you have to go out and shop. If you need something then fine, if a shop that sells it is open go out quickly and get it. But it’s not the time for mindlessly browsing or spending any more time at the shops than is necessary.

OP I am more concerned what non-essential shops will be like if they reopen on 2nd December. Some people can't or won't shop online and December shopping is busy enough without encouraging queues to form

@wizzbangfizz

Everything should be open IMO

Couldn't agree more.

My understanding in England is that the restrictions are specifically such that if there is food on sale the rest of a store can remain open.

The objections should focus on the government not reacting to SAGEs advice in September for nearly six weeks.

To be honest there is no point in closing shops when there is so little evidence of the virus being caught through retail.

This half baked pretend lockdown is a total waste of time and will achieve nothing in terms of limiting the spread of Covid, but will lead to many people losing their jobs.

Either lockdown properly (schools, non essential business and factories) or don't bloody bother.

Singling out M&S is petty.

If they can open fucking garden centres then why not?
I cannot think of one essential item our local garden centre sells. A few trees and shrubs/compost and bulbs. Acres of seasonal tat, clothing concessions and wellies.
If we are not supposed to be doing non essential journeys or shopping that one has me stumped. Utterly.

Actually I’ve just seen that Tesco and Sainsbury’s are going to shut down non-essential sections of the shop which I think is stupid. Just like well there’s going to be a huge backlash. This is stupid. I hope that isn't true, just got my nectar double up vouchers and how will I spend them?

I keep hoping my local Tesco will revert to 24 hour opening before Christmas. Does anyone understand why they have limited the opening hours which leads to shops being more crowded? It seems counter intuitive to me but I am probably missing something.

@bluebeck

I keep hoping my local Tesco will revert to 24 hour opening before Christmas. Does anyone understand why they have limited the opening hours which leads to shops being more crowded? It seems counter intuitive to me but I am probably missing something.

Is it so the staff can restock the shelves safely while there's no customers in the store?

@Daisy03, how very dare they try to keep people in jobs, when we could be buying our knickers and socks from Ama**n instead.

@bluebeck it’s probably to do with staffing levels and furloughing staff to make use of the savings. Or indeed staff off sick I guess.

Or just another example of Covid theatre to BE SEEN TO BE DOING STUFF!!!!!

So many places seem to use Covid!!! (You always need the ! To make a point!!!!!) as an excuse for shitty customer service or pointless rules for rules sake.

[quote baffledcoconut]@bluebeck it’s probably to do with staffing levels and furloughing staff to make use of the savings. Or indeed staff off sick I guess.

Or just another example of Covid theatre to BE SEEN TO BE DOING STUFF!!!!!

So many places seem to use Covid!!! (You always need the ! To make a point!!!!!) as an excuse for shitty customer service or pointless rules for rules sake.[/quote]
Tesco aren't going to be furloughing staff at one of the busiest times of year, where there will also be staff self isolating/off sick etc . They are recruiting for Christmas temps.

Opening hours are strange!

I live in a city so had plenty of 24/7 Tesco and Sainsbury’s stores of varying sizes nearby. The smaller stores went back to 24/7 after lockdown 2, but not the larger stores? Very annoying on Sunday’s when they shut at 4/5pm, considering they used to be open 24/7. I’m glad I don’t work night shifts any more, must be difficult for those who still do.