Asda will only open its stores to elderly and vulnerable shoppers before 9am tomorrow to give them easier access to products during the coronavirus pandemic.
The grocer’s chief executive Roger Burnley has written to customers asking them to “postpone going to stores until at least 9am”. He said this would “provide time and space for the customers that are most at risk to the current coronavirus outbreak”.
Asda’s move comes at a time when food retailers are putting a host of special measures in place to protect supply and safeguard the most vulnerable people in their communities.
The likes of Tesco, Sainsbury’s and Iceland have already launched similar shopping windows specifically for elderly and vulnerable people, designed to provide them with better access to the products they need at a time when many consumers are panic buying goods such as toilet rolls, rice and pasta.
Burnley said: “Since I last wrote to you, it has become increasingly clear to us all that we must help to shield the most vulnerable in our communities from this virus.
“We want to do all we can to support this effort and so have made the decision that on Friday 20 March we are going to make our larger stores available for those vulnerable people – and those caring for them – until 9am to let them shop and get what they need.
He added: “We’re doing everything we can to keep our shelves stocked and our deliveries coming – and our colleagues are doing an amazing job working around the clock to support you.
“Please let us help you – together, we can look after each other during these challenging times.”
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