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Original poster

Shopping what's it like now

29 replies

CarlaH · 02/06/2021 10:27

My partner wants to go into our nearest city next week to go to Marks and Spencer for underwear/socks so no need to try anything on and I would like to go into John Lewis homewares department.

Is it still all queuing and one way systems or have things calmed down a bit.

We haven't been anywhere except a supermarket since last spring so have no idea what to expect.

OP posts:
MaybeCrazy2 · 02/06/2021 10:28

Depends on area, places here are normal but with masks. Some of the big shops still have a one way system in and out

Bagelsandbrie · 02/06/2021 10:28

Think it depends on the area to be honest. We’ve been into Norwich and there weren’t really any queues and one way system- just masks and hand sanitiser (that no one used)!

TokyoSushi · 02/06/2021 10:29

Normal here but with masks, sometimes a short queue on busier days and one way in and out of the shop, but not when you're actually in there.

Original poster
CarlaH · 02/06/2021 10:39

Thanks.

Unbelievably I had forgotten we would have to wear masks.

My interest in new homeware is waning already.

OP posts:
Flowerlane · 02/06/2021 13:48

I waited 6 weeks till I went to the local shopping centre. I wanted it to be a bit calmer etc.

It was definitely calmer and the queues weren’t too bad except Primark that was busy as usual. But I did not enjoy the trip at all and I am in no rush to head back anytime soon. The shops were really hot and with wearing a mask it gave me a migraine. Also felt like a lot of the staff didn’t want to be there. As I said I won’t be rushing back anytime soon and that’s coming from someone who use to be a shopaholic.

Mindymomo · 02/06/2021 14:00

Everything is much more spaced out in my local M&S, I go in early when it’s quiet. All the pay desks have screens. There is still sanitiser for basket/trolleys and hands when you go in. You just have to remember to leave space between yourself and everyone else.

Original poster
CarlaH · 02/06/2021 14:59

We are going to have to drive for over an hour to get there so I am beginning to wonder if it is worth it.

I hate wearing masks and find myself getting quite panicky so I don't know if it is worth it for a general browse.

Not sure getting up super early so that we can get in before the crowds is going to be worth it for some socks and knickers.

OP posts:
Judystilldreamsofhorses · 02/06/2021 15:56

M&S is my local food shop so I am in often. Yesterday I bought some things in the men’s department for DP and it was absolutely fine - no queues, the shop was quiet, and the staff were helpful.

I was also in H&M (queue for the till, but fine), Zara (busier, didn’t buy anything), Levi’s Store (very quiet, was able to try on jeans, assistant was super helpful), Paperchase (empty, but the layout means it would have been a pain if it had been busy, very cluttered), and Boots (busy-ish but no queues).

I went about 4 after finishing work. I think midweek is going to be better than a weekend. I hate wearing a mask but took it off outside between shops to get some air.

Cowbells · 02/06/2021 16:02

I had to go into town today be cause I'd completely run out of some essentials I can't get locally. It was one way systems, masks, social distancing and hand gel on entering every store, but no queues anywhere - no more than usual. Seemed reasonably quiet.

RedRiverShore · 02/06/2021 16:04

Is it in a indoor shopping centre or high street, in shopping centre you have to wear a mask all the while while in the centre so there is no respite which I found quite difficult when I went shopping at JL asi had already had my mask on for ages, it was alright in JL though and I didn't notice one way systems, this was in Milton Keynes.

I find shopping much better in our local outdoor mall as you just pop your mask on to go into the shops.

Thehawki · 02/06/2021 16:06

Everywhere I have been has been normal with spaced out queues and masks. M&S was normal with cleaning stations at the front and no one way systems.

RedRiverShore · 02/06/2021 16:07

There was a huge queue outside H&M yesterday, I think it was young people stocking up on summer clothes as it's half term. I remember it was the shop of choice when DS was a young teen.

Maybe go next week if you can OP when half term if over, it will be much quieter in all the shops

newnortherner111 · 02/06/2021 16:47

I would suggest avoiding half term and perhaps being there at opening time on a Saturday.

MsRinky · 02/06/2021 16:50

Can'r fathom why anyone would drive an hour to purchase pants and socks (not like you try them on) at the best of times! M&S deliver!

omgthepain · 02/06/2021 16:52

To be honest I wouldn't drive an hour to buy pants and socks and house stuff when both M&S and John Lewis have good websites that seems a total waste of time to be honest

Original poster
CarlaH · 02/06/2021 17:06

Thanks for all the advice.

It might seem mad to drive a long way but we haven't been anywhere for over a year now and I thought maybe we should get out there again now we have been vaccinated.

I wanted to go to John Lewis which is why we have to go so far. We do have a Marks and Spencers closer. I think they charge for delivery unless you buy quite a lot of stuff.

There is an indoor shopping centre but we can get in to both shops from outside so would only have to wear masks once we are in there.

OP posts:
Aroundtheworldin80moves · 02/06/2021 17:10

I found a shopping centre so quiet today it was freaky.

RedRiverShore · 02/06/2021 17:12

You might be better using the free click and collect at your local M&S, free delivery is if you spend £50. though I know what you mean about JL, they are few and far between now, a bit like Ikea. I had to travel to go to JL as I wanted to look at carpets, which I wanted to see in real life.

RaspberryCoulis · 02/06/2021 17:34

I think you need to get out there and get on with it!

Shopping centres will be quiet. After a year of being locked in your house you absolutely should be getting back out and realising that it's not a scary place at all.

Mumof1andacat · 02/06/2021 17:55

Really hoping changing rooms open soon. Puts me off doing any clothes shopping

MakkaPakkas · 02/06/2021 18:01

Slightly quieter than pre pandemic (but not much) & masks is the status round here. M&S have resumed their bra fitting service in our local one.

RichTeaCheddars · 02/06/2021 20:29

Masks needed, hand sanitiser at entrance/exits, shops are busy like pre Covid. Some shops have a queue to get in. My local John Lewis you have to book the cafe when you get there if you want to go in.

I just shopping for opening time and it's much less busy.

lljkk · 02/06/2021 21:32

My John Lewis is empty in normal times.

MsRinky · 02/06/2021 21:34

People get hung up on free delivery, it's only £3.50 at M&S if you spend less than £50. What's fuel for a 2 hour drive plus parking?

But if the object is to get out and about a bit, then that's a different thing. Maybe ease in locally first, and wait until after half-term. I went to Ikea the other week, just to regain a bit of normality.

Katie517 · 02/06/2021 21:56

Without sounding harsh I think you just need to get out and start living normally again. Yes you will have to wear a mask but aside from that it’s pretty much normal, Oxford is my closest city centre and there are no one way systems in shops or ques especially in the week. I have been a lot since the shops reopened and always had an enjoyable time. I think the more you talk about it and wonder what it’s going to be like the more you will put yourself off going, just go see for yourself and maybe have a nice lunch or coffee out while you are there to make the most of the trip.