https://www.mirror.co.uk/money/tesco-introduces-6-big-shopping-21855822?utm_campaign=daily_newsletter&utm_content=EM_Mirror_Nletter_DailyNews_News_smallteaser_Image_Story2&utm_medium=email&utm_source=mirror_newsletterTesco introduces 6 big shopping changes to adapt to coronavirus with immediate effect
The company's CEO Dave Lewis announced the changes in an email to Tesco customers, describing the current situation across the country as "difficult for everyone"
By Catherine Murphy
20:10, 12 APR 2020 Updated 07:56, 13 APR 2020
Tesco has introduced six big new changes to its stores to tackle the ongoing coronavirus crisis. Some of the changes relate to new social distancing measures such as its new one-way systems for its aisles, and even more checkout protection for staff. Other changes include the removal of restrictions across the majority of its products. CEO Dave Lewis announced the changes in an email sent to all Tesco customers. He described the pandemic as "unthinkable" and the current time period as "difficult for everyone". Mr. Lewis also confirmed Tesco workers will see their staff discount increased to 15% for the next four weeks as well as a 10% bonus for staff across its stores, distribution, and call centres. Here are the other changes that will affect you.
1. One-way aisles
As part of its ongoing measures, Tesco is introducing one-way aisles and a 'one-in, one-out' system across its stores. CEO Dave Lewis said: "As well as the measures we shared with you previously, we’re introducing one-way aisles and a ‘one-in, one-out’ system in stores. "We’ve maintained longer opening hours to minimise potential queuing. Do ask your local store team for quiet times."
2. Increase to contactless payments
The limit on contactless payments will start to move from £30 to £45 per shop. Tesco is starting to gradually update its tills. You can also use the free Tesco Pay+ app from Tesco Bank. The app has bank-level security built-in and lets you pay for up to £250 worth of shopping with a single contactless scan directly from your phone.
3. Product restrictions removed
Tesco has announced that as it stock levels are starting to return to normal, it is removing the purchasing limits on the majority of its products. From today, limits will only remain on essential items such as toilet rolls, pasta, and hand sanitisers. This means those customers who were planning to stock up on Easter eggs will be able to do so as restrictions will no longer apply to them.
4. New delivery slots with more on the way
During the last week, Tesco has been given an initial list of 110,000 clinically vulnerable and isolated people by the Government. From this list, Tesco has identified 75,000 existing customers who will now have home delivery slots created for them. Tesco also says it is working through the list and as its teams receive more data from the Government, it will make even more slots available.
5. Quiet times
Tesco is advising customers to ask their local stores for the quietest times to visit to avoid queuing. These times will differ from store to store but will tend to be around an hour before closing.
6. Protective screens
You may find Tesco has altered its checkouts at your local store too as the retailer has now installed protective screens at the front and back of every till at the checkout so that all checkouts can be open instead of every other one. Tesco hopes this will prevent customers from queuing then they absolutely have to during this crisis.
