British supermarkets prepare for battle as Christmas inches closer. The season brings with it an extremely busy shopping period. Retail stores have implemented incentives such as digital queue systems, and longer opening hours to keep shoppers happy. Reports reveal grocery stores will use traffic light systems, 24-hour opening times, and door marshals to allow customers to shop early.
Shoppers are also urged to avoid going to their local supermarkets all together by shopping online instead. However, most Christmas delivery slots are already filled up and the huge increase in sales could put more pressure on brick and mortar shops. To prepare for the busy time, over 300 Tesco stores across the country will trade for 24 hours from December 14 to Christmas eve. Britain's biggest supermarket chain has also installed a traffic light system in majority of its stores to help regulate the number of shoppers.
Waitrose, meanwhile, is all set to launch a queueing app called Qudini, which allows customers to book shopping time slots remotely. The app allows shoppers to book a slot at more than 100 of their stores. Waitrose is also extending their opening times, remaining open until 11 pm until December 23.
Shoppers, with government measures to control Covid-19 infections, are still expected to spend a record £12bn in supermarkets and convenience stores in December.
