Sainsbury’s chief Mike Coupe has sent a letter to customers reassuring them on food shortages and calling for people to shop responsibly during the coronavirus outbreak.
“I wanted to personally reassure you that we have more food and other essential items coming to us from manufacturers and into our warehouses and distribution centres”, he said, adding: “If we all shop just for the food that we and our families need, there will be enough for everyone.”
British Retail Consortium
It comes as British Retail Consortium members sent a joint letter to consumers urging everyone to work together to ensure there is enough food for the country.
Retailers are currently working “round the clock” to help customers get the items they need, the BRC said.
The letter aims to reassure customers, while calling on them to support each other during the crisis.
It said: “We know that many of you are worried about the spread of coronavirus (Covid-19).
“We want to let you know that we are doing everything we can so that you and your families have the food and essentials you need.”
“We need your help too”
The letter added: “But we need your help too.
“We would ask everyone to be considerate in the way they shop.
“We understand your concerns, but buying more than is needed can sometimes mean that others will be left without.
“There is enough for everyone if we all work together.
“Together we can make sure we are looking out for family, friends, neighbours.
“Together we will care for those around us and those who are elderly, vulnerable or choosing to remain at home.”
Ensuring shelves are stocked
Firms are working closely with the Government and suppliers, and have arranged more store deliveries to ensure shelves are stocked, the letter added.
And outlets with online delivery and click-and-collect services are running them at full capacity.
Helen Dickinson, chief executive of the British Retail Consortium, said: “Retailers are working incredibly hard to keep shops well stocked and deliveries running as smoothly as possible.
“In the face of unprecedented demand as a result of coronavirus, food retailers have come together to ask their customers to support each other to make sure everyone can get access to the products they need.”
Reassurance
Environment Secretary, George Eustice, said: “I fully support the call from British food retailers urging us all to be considerate in the way we shop and look out for our neighbours.
“By working together, our leading supermarkets have provided the reassurance there is plenty of stock available and people should buy products as they normally would.
“We are in regular contact with the food industry and retailers are continuing to monitor their supply chains and are taking all the necessary steps to ensure consumers have the food and supplies they need.”
Related: 295 scientists call on government to re-think its coronavirus response
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