Waitrose joins rival supermarkets in imposing limits on purchases
It comes as shoppers continue to stockpile items in the face of the coronavirus pandemic.
John Lewis and Waitrose have become the latest retailers to announce limits on the purchase of some items amid the coronavirus pandemic.
It comes after rivals Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Aldi, Asda and Morrisons all announced similar measures to ease stockpiling pressures.
Shoppers formed long queues prior to stores opening on Thursday as demand continues to soar.
Retailers’ web operations have also come under significant pressure from surging use of online deliveries, with Ocado shutting down its entire website and app until Saturday to allow for changes to ensure more delivery slots are available.
Andrex maker Kimberly-Clark, meanwhile, has reassured customers it is increasing production to keep up with demand.
The retail group said it is also launching a protected shopping period for the elderly and vulnerable at Waitrose, which will be each store’s first opening hour from Friday.
Waitrose cafes and rotisseries will be temporarily shut to help stores cope with increased demand in other areas.
John Lewis Partnership said 2,100 members of staff from the department store business are helping to work at Waitrose stores on deliveries.
The company also launched a £1 million community support fund to be distributed by Waitrose shops to local communities.
“Our commitment to contribute to the wellbeing of the communities we operate in has always been at the heart of our business.
“Partners have been outstanding, supporting each other and responding to the huge surge in demand at Waitrose.”
One partner, Kimberly-Clark, said it is increasing production of toilet roll and cleaning supplies.
Ori Ben Shai, Kimberly-Clark’s UK and Ireland boss, said: “We want to reassure people that Kimberly-Clark is accelerating production of Andrex, Huggies and Kleenex products at its UK mills and, just as importantly, the number of delivery trucks to retailers to ensure there is a steady supply of our products.
“As we’ve all seen, demand has increased, but we are all working to replenish shelves as quickly as possible. We remain close with our retail partners and ask customers to shop responsibly. There is enough for everyone if we think of others and buy only what we need.”
Meanwhile, value retailer B&M said sales of Pot Noodle have surged 610% and pasta sales have risen 828% over the past week as shoppers continue to stockpile ambient and dried food.
It also reported a 301% increase in toilet roll sales and 1200% increase in sales of hand wash.
It said seven million customers have come through the retailer’s doors over the period and its warehouses have now turned greater focus towards grocery items.
Meanwhile, fashion retailers such as Joules have reported “a decline in store footfall and revenue” following the outbreak.
Rival Next warned it is preparing for a “significant” trading downturn amid the pandemic as it braces for a potential £1 billion in lost sales.
Elsewhere, Halfords said it would waive its MOT rebooking fee at its autocentres for any customers who have missed their appointment due to self-isolation.
Earlier on Thursday, Ocado said it has seen growth double in March as the business is overwhelmed by orders from people staying indoors to avoid the coronavirus pandemic.
