IF you’re planning a big food shop in the run up to Christmas to get all your supplies, it’s worth choosing your time carefully.
With Omicron cases on the rise, you might want to avoid hitting the aisles when it’s busy, and go when there are fewer people around.
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Customers have also been told to wear face masks again while shopping in stores – which was not a legal requirement after Freedom Day on July 19, but was made so again from November 30.
It comes as Brits are bracing themselves against a “lockdown by stealth”, as the PM and scientists have been accused of enforcing a lockdown in all but name.
You’re less likely to be waiting around in queues if you choose the quietest times to shop – here’s how you can find that out.
Find the best time to shop
If you search for your local supermarket on Google you will be able find out when it’s most popular with shoppers.
It will show you traffic volumes of people based on an average score, as well as “live” data.
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Firstly, search the shop you want to visit. Then click on the location and this will reveal extra data.
The blue shows the average number of shoppers, while the pink shows how many people are in the store at the time you’re looking.
Supermarkets are likely to be busy at the moment, but it could help you pinpoint a time when fewer people are likely to be in each shop near you.
Opening hours are subject to change, so make sure you check with each store directly, as Google does not always have these updated hours.
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Avoid the queues
Some supermarkets have created queuing apps, which means you don’t have to wait around in the cold or wet if it is busy.
Sainsbury’s and Asda let you book a place in the queue and wait in your car.
And M&S has an app that lets you book a shopping slot ahead of time so you’re not hanging around.
Sometimes queues can be hard to predict, especially when lockdown rules change, so it’s best to be prepared for one.
Make sure you wrap up warm and have your mask with you.
Morning or evening: which is best?
The bonus of going early is that you will have access to a store which has been fully stocked overnight.
However, some shops stock their shelves throughout the day too – it’s worth asking when there are deliveries and restocks at your local.
Mornings are traditionally quieter, but this may not be the case during the pandemic when everyone is trying to beat the queues.
In some supermarkets, such as Lidl, mornings are actually the busiest time of the day. It’s worth checking with your local shop to get more information.
If you go late, there should be fewer people but you risk low stock because items have sold out through out the day.
If you need standard ingredients or you can be flexible, this strategy should work well. But if you need specific items – for instance for a recipe – you might not want to chance it.
Ask for help
If you can’t find an item then try asking staff for help – they should be able to point you in the right direction or tell you when things will be back in store.
If something is missing or there is an item you regularly need, you can also ask when it is going to be restocked as this may change.
If you’re vulnerable shopper then you might also be able to ask staff to keep items for you – they don’t have to help you but it’s worth trying.
If you’re worried about going into a store, ask friends or neighbours for help. There are also local groups that might be able to help with shopping if you are vulnerable.
If you’re elderly or a key worker make use of priority shopping hours
Elderly shoppers and can often access stores earlier so they can complete their shopping.
Some supermarkets offer specific hours for front line workers, while others will let them jump any queues. Make sure you have NHS pass or equivalent on you so you can prove who you are.
Most supermarkets are still running priority access and dedicated shopping hours for the vulnerable so they don’t have to queue – check directly with the supermarket you’re going to for what they are offering.
Lidl has kicked off the price war on Christmas veggies with bags for just 19p.
Here’s which supermarket is cheapest for your turkey and all the trimmings.
Thousands could also claim up to £140 in supermarket vouchers before Christmas – are you eligible?
Supermarkets urge shoppers not to panic buy as Brits flood to stores after Christmas bubbles collapse
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