COMMUNITY MESSAGE : TESCO - HOV

COMMUNITY MESSAGE : TESCO - HOVE.

Tuesday 24th March 2020.

Here is the latest update from Michael Germain, Manager of the Tesco store in Church Road Hove.

The update is broken down into particular sections to keep everyone up to date, which includes, Safety, Trade, Stock, Staying Open, NHS and Vulnerable Groups, Opening Times and the Car Park.

Please read and take note, as this is hoped that it will benefit people.

Michael Germain Manager Tesco Hove.

SAFETY: Safety is my number one priority. We have been encouraging social distancing at the checkouts, and amongst all of our colleagues. I would ask that everyone follows government guidelines on this matter.

I have a team who are focusing on that at the checkouts, and will be asking people to follow these guidelines. Clearly the supermarket environment is a challenging one for this, however we can all do our bit.

In addition, this team will manage any queues at the checkouts. I have also employed a team to specifically concentrate on regular cleaning of key touch points, including trolley and basket handles, pin pads, rails, door handles, tables etc., in addition to the usual cleaning team.

There is a table at the front of the store with cleaner and towel should you wish to clean your basket or trolley handle as you enter. The cleaner in these bottles is effective against COVID-19.

TRADE: Clearly we have been incredibly busy over the last 18 days or so. It does appear that this is shifting somewhat now, and whilst the mornings are still busy, the rest of the day is considerably quieter.

Today saw a much more even spread across the day, and it may indicate a return to a more normalised trading pattern, although government announcements can impact this.

Clearly as we all get used to the changes, a routine for shopping will develop.

STOCK; Stock in the supply chain is improving, and whilst there are still some challenges, it is apparent that the supply base is catching up after the unprecedented demand. The range will not be as broad as it was for a while, as suppliers focus on key lines, but the simple message is there is plenty of food for us all, and levels are improving and will continue to do so.

Shopping for ONLY what we need will greatly assist.

STAYING OPEN: Put simply, we will be. I am currently recruiting additional colleagues to ensure we continue to operate through this time.

Over the weekend we started an additional 40, and I have plans to bring that up to around an additional 100 colleagues in total. In doing so, we have also been able to help many people who’s jobs have temporarily been put on hold due to COVID-19.

NHS and VULNERABLE HROUPS: We are trying to support these key groups.

Sunday we allowed early browsing for NHS staff. This was an exceptional event, with 1000 NHS workers coming to do their shopping in that hour.

Clearly this presented its own challenges, but we are working on that to see how we can improve the experience going forward.

As a business, we are asking customers to respect the hour of 9-10 each Monday, Wednesday and ‪Friday morning‬, and allow us to prioritise elderly and vulnerable customers.

It is fair to say our first day on Friday was a challenge, however today went much smoother. Again, we are working on how to evolve this and make it better.

OPENING TIMES: At present we are keeping our existing opening times, ‪8am to 10pm‬, and ‪10-4 on Sunday‬. I have suspended the half an hour browsing ‪at 7.30am‬, as I do not want to encourage unnecessary gatherings, and so our doors will open ‪at 8am‬.

CAR PARK: I have suspended the restriction on the car park currently. This is under regular review.

ANYTHING ELSE?: Please do talk to me in store whilst I am on the floor about anything you wish.

I would like to thank you all for your patience and understanding during this most difficult time.

Best regards Michael.